BOXSCORE

HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University women’s basketball team recorded their first road win of the season by defeating Alabama State University 74-67 in the first game of the Lady Blazer Tournament hosted by the University of Alabama-Birmingham.


HU handed Alabama State their fourth loss of the season as Lady Hornets fell to 3-4 and Hampton improved to 4-1 (0-1 MEAC). The win also snapped the blue and white’s two game losing streak.


Junior Artavia Burns (Dallas, Texas/Lincoln HS) led the Pirates with 15 points and four assists, while fellow Texan Rachel Butler (Dallas, Texas/Lincoln HS) recorded 13 points. Sophomore center Shahara Johnson (Harrisburg, Pa./Harrisburg HS) added 11 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Junior guard Stephanie James (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sierra HS) was also productive with 10 points coming off the bench.

In the first half the Hornets gained a four-point lead (9-5) during the opening five minutes of play, but the Lady Pirates responded with a 12-6 run to take a two-point advantage (15-13) with 12:47. Alabama State began to comeback with a run of their own to tie that game at 22 all with 9:29 ticks left. However, a lay-up by Johnson triggered 17-9 run by the Pirates sending them into the locker room at halftime with a 41-31 advantage. Burns led HU in scoring at the break with 10 points in the opening 20 minutes.

In the first 10 minutes of the second half, Hampton added to its lead with a 15-11 run, giving the Pirates a 14-point lead. Alabama State brought the lead within nine with two minutes remaining but it wasn’t enough as the Lady Pirates clinched the victory and advance to Tuesday night’s championship game.


As for the Lady Hornets, they were led by two players in double-digits—L’Tiesha Holloway (20 pts./five rebs.) and Assunta Fulgham (16 pts./8 rebs.).

HU will return to the court tomorrow to face tournament host UAB in the championship game at 6 p.m. inside Bartow Arena.