Courtesy of Brian Howard, Assistant AD for Communications
Down by one with less than two minutes remaining, Coriah Beck buried a 3-pointer to give the Alabama A&M University women’s basketball team the lead for good and extend its Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) winning streak to nine straight with a 54-50 victory over Grambling State on Thursday night at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
Moses Davenport, who helped put the game away with two foul shots with 35 seconds remaining, led Alabama A&M with 14 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Beck added 13 points, including four 3-pointers, with three boards and two assists, while Kalia Walker chipped in 11 points, four assists and three boards.
Shaniah Nunn paced Grambling State with 16 points, seven boards, one assist, one steal and one block, while Alieghya Bartholomew posted 10 points, six steals, three assists and three boards.
First Quarter
The opening period featured early back-and-forth action as both teams traded baskets in the paint. Alabama A&M (13-9 overall, 9-1 SWAC) jumped ahead behind transition layups from Rakiyah Beal and Jaida Belton, but Grambling State countered with second-chance points to edge in front late. A last-second putback allowed the Lady Tigers to take a 17–15 lead at the end of one.
Second Quarter
The Bulldogs responded with their most efficient stretch of the night. Walker knocked down a three to give AAMU its first lead of the quarter, while Beck added a fast-break triple to spark an 8–0 run. Davenport controlled the paint with offensive rebounds and putbacks as Alabama A&M outscored Grambling 15–10 in the frame to carry a 30–27 halftime advantage.
Third Quarter
Grambling State (6-16, 3-6) opened the second half with energy, trimming the deficit and eventually tying the game at 39-39 following a fast-break finish midway through the period. The Bulldogs answered late, however, as Aniya Palmer converted a steal into a transition layup in the closing seconds to send AAMU into the fourth quarter holding a 41–39 lead.
Fourth Quarter
Defense took center stage in the final 10 minutes. Alabama A&M limited Grambling State to just 3-of-12 shooting in the quarter, while Walker and Beck connected on key free throws to maintain the advantage. Davenport added another crucial second-chance basket, and the Bulldogs sealed the win at the line in the closing moments to escape with the 54–50 victory.
UP NEXT
Alabama A&M concludes the Louisiana road trip on Saturday at Southern. Tip-off against the Jaguars is set for 2:30 p.m. at the F.G. Clark Activity Center and streamed on the Jaguars Sports Network.
