Sports

Gators swamp Tigers, win in fourth quarter comeback 72-65

The Lady Tigers basketball season is off to a good start. GSU ATHLETICS/Courtesy photo

Grambling State’s women’s basketball team opened the season at home against the University of Florida Gators on Tuesday. Nov. 5.

In a close game, the Lady Tigers were able to control the game in the first half and the third quarter, yet fell off in the fourth, giving Florida the win.

The first quarter’s action saw the Gators down by just three. With a slim lead, the Lady Tigers took a 13-10 game into the second quarter.

The entire quarter saw the Lady Tigers plagued by offensive turnovers, allowing for the Gators to stay in the game and keep the score close.

In the winding minutes of the quarter, the Gators clawed themselves back and led the game with just a few seconds left.

The go ahead layup by Junior guard Ariel Williams gave Grambling the 31-30 lead at the intermission. 

Candice Parramore led GSU with nine points at the break, matching Gators guard Kiara Smith for most points at the half.

The Lady Tigers had 15 turnovers in the first half, compared to just six from Florida.

When the action resumed, the three-point ball kept the Tigers in the game for the quarter. Both teams traveled the length of the court and scored right after one another, ending with each team putting up a game high 21 points in the quarter.

The buzzer beater floater for Grambling by WIlliams gave the Tigers the 52-51 as they looked to close the game.

The fourth quarter began with an all out attack from the Gators, limiting the  scoring from the Tigers. At halfway through the quarter, the Gators had gone on a 14-2 point run to take a large 63-54 lead.

From here, the Lady Tigers tried to fight back in the game, but it was to no avail.

Florida held the Tigers to just 13 points in the final quarter to hand the team their first loss. 

Florida dominated on the boards, putting up 44 as a team. 6’2 forward Zada Williams proved to be a tough defender, converting easy in the paint buckets for a tied team-high 16 points and securing five rebounds for the Gators. 

Grambling guard Brandi Washington led all scorers with 21 points and four assists in Tuesdays loss.

The Lady Tigers will look to pick up a win against Baylor University in Waco, Texas on Friday.