The Alabama State women’s basketball team was unable to overcome the undefeated Vanderbilt University, suffering a significant defeat with a final score of 92–38 in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday at Memorial Gymnasium. This game marked a tough matchup for the Hornets, who now hold a record of 1–5 for the season.
From the outset, Vanderbilt utilized their superior length and tenacious defensive pressure to dictate the pace of the game, generating an impressive 38 turnovers that translated into 50 points for the Commodores. This strategy allowed Vanderbilt, now at an impressive 5–0, to steadily build their lead throughout the contest.
The first half saw Alabama State struggle initially, as they fell behind 24–9 after the first quarter. The Hornets managed to find a rhythm in the second quarter with Clearia Peterson and Taylor Smith contributing valuable points, but Vanderbilt’s strength in perimeter shooting kept them ahead, closing the half at 50–22.
As the game progressed into the third quarter, Taylor Smith showcased her ability from beyond the arc with her third three-pointer of the game. Despite scoring droughts, the Hornets remained persistent, with Charlese McClendon and Kaia Ponder contributing crucial rebounds and points. However, Vanderbilt’s continuous offensive tempo widened the gap, heading into the final quarter with a score of 77–28.
In the fourth quarter, Alabama State’s resilience shone through as they increased their rebounding efforts, led by Ponder and McClendon. Smith finished the game with a team-high nine points, alongside consistent performances from Amari Franklin, who added nine points and six rebounds. Even the bench got involved, producing 16 points toward the end.
Looking ahead, Alabama State will seek to bounce back as they host AUM on December 1 at 6 p.m., with hopes of turning their season around. Despite the setback against Vanderbilt, the Hornets exhibited bright moments that can serve as a foundation for improvement in upcoming games.