March 6, 2008

Montgomery, Ala. - In a game they absolutely had to have, the Alabama State Lady Hornets put on their most dominant performance of the season in a 64-48 win over Grambling State.

That victory, coupled with Alcorn State's win over Texas Southern, guaranteed Alabama State a spot in next week's SWAC tournament.

When told of the Alcorn State -Texas Southern score, Lady Hornets' head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson let out a shout of joy.

"Wow!" she said as she put on the headphones for a post-game radio interview. "These girls absolutely deserve this," Freeman-Jackson continued. "With all that they've been through, they haven't complained, they never quit. We're so proud of them."

After falling behind 6-0, ASU went on a 16-2 run to take an eight point lead. ASU sharpshooter Erica Lumpkin was at her best in the first half as she hit five of her six attempts on the way to 13 first half points.

Riding Lumpkin's hot hand and a 15-10 rebounding advantage, ASU took a 30-22 lead into halftime.

Sensing that a SWAC tournament bid was in reach, the Lady Hornets put the hammer down the in the second half. Grambling never got closer than eight, and trailed by as many as 17. It was 13-5 run over about six minutes that made the score 57-41.

With less than four minutes remaining the game's outcome was decided and the scoreboard watching began.

ASU is now in 8th place in the league's standings. Although they could possibly move up to 7th spot, they now know their ticket to the tournament has been punched.

"A lot of people didn't believe this team - without the players we are missing - could make the tournament," Freeman-Jackson said. "Our girls just kept working and playing hard. And I could not be happier for them."