BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Justice Coleman scored 12 of her team-high 19 points in the first half as the Grambling State advanced to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Women’s Basketball Tournament Semifinals with a 62-54 victory over Alabama A&M on Wednesday at Bartow Arena.
“It was a tough game, and we knew that coming in,” said Tigers coach Freddie Murray. “We had just lost to them about five days ago. The first one is always the toughest one and we are glad to get one down and two more to go.”
Grambling State (14-16), which used a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter to move past Alabama A&M, advances on the 2022 Cricket SWAC Women’s Basketball Tournament Semifinals as the seventh seed and will face the winner of Alabama State (third seed) or Prairie View A&M (sixth seed) at 11 a.m. on Friday at Bartow Arena. Alabama A&M concludes its season with a 15-14 record.
Coleman, who was 7-of-17 shooting, posted 19 points, seven rebounds, three block assists and one assist to lead Grambling State.
“What can I say about her,” said Murray. “She’s been with me for about five years and trusts me. She’s a young lady that I believe in wholeheartedly. She’s a huge part of our success and she’s won coming in as a freshman, so she knows what to expect. We want to try to get her out of here with a win as she matriculates on into life. Without her, we are not here today. Justice Coleman is so vital to our success.”
Alexus Holt poured in 15 points, six boards, five assists and two steals. Leah Morrow registered 13 points, a team-high eight boards, two steals and one assist, while Ariel Williams tossed in 13 points, three assists, three boards, two steals and two block assists.
Dariauna Lewis scored 20 of her game-high 32 points in the first half to pace Alabama A&M. She pulled down 10 rebounds, along with two blocked shots, two steals and one assist.
