Dec. 29, 2001

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Alabama State University used 12-0 run late in the second half to break open a three point game and defeat Samford University 78-62 Saturday afternoon at Seibert Hall.

Samford's Giovanni Price converted a three-point play with 8:27 remaining in the game to bring the Bulldogs to within three points at 53-50. Alabama State's Crystal Kitt converted back-to-back lay ups and Chrishutta Lewis hit a three-pointer to push ASU's lead to 10 points with 7:00 minutes to play as Alabama State shot 53 percent from the floor to improve to 6-4 on the season.

Samford dropped to 1-8 on the season despite 22 points from Price. Clarissa Clark scored 11 point and LaBrena Friend had a career-high 11 points. Morgan Vickery also had a career high with nine points on 3-8 shooting from three-point range. Noot Pittman led the Bulldogs in rebounding with seven before fouling out of the game with 3:05 left to play. Samford committed a season-low 13 turnovers but shot just 36 percent from the floor and 21 percent from three-point range.

"We have to make better decisions in the heat of battle," said Samford head coach Janet Cone. "I liked our intensity today but we need to work on shot selection. We spent too much time playing defense. Alabama State is a good team. We played tight with them and were in the game."

Alabama State was led by Kitt who recorded career-highs with 23 points and 13 rebounds. West had 17 points shooting 3-8 from three-point land. Shameka Jackson scored 16 points and Jawanda West had 10 points for the Lady Hornets.

Alabama State jumped out to an early 11-2 lead and led by as many as 10 points at 15-5 in the first half. The Bulldogs pulled back to within five points seven times in the first period but Alabama State went into the locker room with a 39-32 lead.

In the second half, Alabama State again started strong taking the lead to 10-points at 50-40 before Samford used a 10-3 run to pull to within three points with 8:27 to play. Over the final eight and a half minutes the Lady Hornets out scored Samford 25-12. ASU held a 42-31 rebounding advantage.

Samford who went 0-6 in the month of December will try to get back on track in January. Samford will host defending Atlantic Sun tournament champion Georgia State on Jan. 3, at 7 p.m. in Seibert Hall.