Sports

Sizzling start to SWAC

Grambling State University’s Lady Tigers basketball team has started conference play at home scorching, winning their first two contents. The Lady Tigers have improved in each game they played in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

“We’re ready to prove to the SWAC and our supporters we came to win and won’t stop at nothing,” said team scoring  leader  Joanna Miller, who’s averaging 19.5 points in conference play.

In their most recent victory, the Lady Tigers (5-8, 2-0 SWAC) beat Alabama A&M University Lady Bulldogs (2-10, 0-2 SWAC) in convincing fashion 90-77, despite 32 points from Brittany Strickland.

In this game, The Tigers shot over 50 percent from floor and over 40 percent from behind the arch.

Miller led the way with 24 points five rebounds and four assist. Victoria Ricks helped out with a double-double of her own, scoring 20 points and pulling down 11 rebounds and Tyler Anderson went 8-for-12 finishing with 19 points and 8 rebounds. 

In their first conference game, they edged out the Alabama State University Lady Hornets (7-6, 0-2 SWAC) 66-63. Four players scored in double figures, Miller and Dennisha Chambers each scoring 15 points. Ricks finished with 12 and Tyler Anderson added 10 points.

Although the Lady Tigers stole the ball 16 times and forced 28 turnovers, they scored only 23 points off turnovers.

Alabama State out rebounded and shot a higher percentage from the field than GSU, but the Lady Tigers’ 22 made free throws contributed to their three-point victory over the Lady Hornets.

Next the Lady Tigers will travel to Baton Rouge for a tough battle Saturday with the Southern Jaguars, their in-state rivals, who are also scorching early in conference play, averaging 78 points in the Southwestern Athletic Conference while giving up 70.

Southern’s Lady Jaguars who are also 2-0 to start SWAC play, are averaging 79 points while giving up 71 points.

The Lady Tigers will have their hands full containing Southern University’s Jasmine Jefferson. She was selected as this week’s SWAC women’s basketball Player of the Week for Jan. 7. Jefferson is averaging 13 points and 14 rebounds during SWAC play.

The game will be played in the F.G. Clark Center, tip-off is at 5 p.m.