Box Score
BIRMINGHAM,Ala.-When you falldown you just have to get up, dust yourself off, and try, try, try again.
This is exactlywhat Southern did; they dusted the dirt off from the first half of the game andkept on trying until they came out with a win.
The No. 3seed Southern (15-13) defeated No. 2 seed Alabama State (15-13) 58-51 with thecomeback win at the Birmingham-Jefferson Complex Center Arena Friday afternoon.
From thejump everyone knew that this would be a close game, as Southern and Alabamafaced off in an all out battle over a guaranteed spot in the tournamentchampionship game.
In thefirst half, Southern’s lack of momentum caused them to trail behind AlabamaState 20-25 by half time. Southern had no answer for Alabama State’s juniorguard Rhonda Brown’s outside shooting, as she dominated the first half draining5-of-6 3-pointers. She finished with18 points for the game.
“She wasn’tone of the primary players on our list to defend,” Southern University headcoach Sandy Pugh said. “She caught us off guard because our focus was primarilyon Crystal Kitt.”
Alabama Stateshot 33.3 percent from the field while holding the Jags down to a shotpercentage of 21.7 during the first half.
“Our shots and defense wasnot all there in the first half. But when we fall down we got to get up,” saidPugh.
That is preciselywhat Southern did in the second half; they got up. Junior guard Rolanda Monroestarted the second half with the look in her eyes, the same look that ledSouthern to a 59-54 victory over Mississippi Valley State Wednesday, the lookof fierce intensity, the look that once again would be turned into action.
“I had to raisethe level of intensity for my teammates,” said Monroe.
Monroe concludedwith a game- high 28 points and six rebounds. It was visible that the Lady Hornetsdefense was focused on Monroe, as they continuously used a variety of multipledouble teams to stop her from shooting. Alabama State was very aggressive andpressured Monroe into passing the ball to her teammates.
“They werevery rough, I injured my knee and I got bruised a couple of times. I was forcedto pass the ball, but I have no problem with giving the ball to my teammates” saidMonroe.
Despite thephysical play, Monroe continued to endure, using her strength and tenacity to leadher team to a win.
“I knewthat this was going to be a physical game and that they were after me, but I couldn’tlet that stop me,” said Monroe. “I had to do what I had to do for me and myteammates.”
“Ro is theshow of every game, and she always does what she does best,” said Pugh.
With 53seconds left in the game, Kitts fouled out having scored only eight points. Theloss was a tremendous upset for the Lady Hornet senior center.
“I am disappointedabout the foul but there is nothing that I can do about it now,” said Kitts.
The duo of Adrian and Ashley Blake provided the Jags with a lift in the second half on both endsof the court. Adrian finished with five points and two steals, includingnailing a 3-pointer to give Southern a 41-38 lead with 5:44 remaining in thegame. Ashley finished with seven points and 12 rebounds.
“Each ofthe girls turned up their level of intensity and played to win,” said Pugh. ”I am really proud of their effort.”
Southern willnow advance to the tournament championship game against Alcorn State Saturdayat 5 p.m. The game will be televised live on ESPNU and broadcasted on WXOK-AM1460. Alcorn State swept the regular season series versus the Jaguars,including a 57-55 heartbreaking defeat in Baton Rouge Feb. 26.
