ATLANTA, Ga. | Grambling State’s season came to an end Thursday evening with a 57-47 loss to Jackson State University in the quarterfinals of the SWAC Tournament at The Gateway Center Arena.
The Tigers, the No. 5 seed in the tournament, battled No. 4 Jackson State but fell short in the final quarter.
With the loss, Grambling State concludes the season with a 15-15 overall record and a 12-6 mark in SWAC play, securing back-to-back winning seasons despite the early tournament exit. Jackson State improves to 16-14 overall and advances to the SWAC semifinals.
Kahia Warmsley led Grambling State with a game-high 22 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Douthshine Prien added seven points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Lydia Freeman contributed five points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. Alyssa Phillip was a force on the boards, tying for a game-high 12 rebounds.
Grambling State opened the game with a competitive first quarter, trailing just 17-13 after 10 minutes. However, a low shooting second quarter saw them score only seven points as Jackson State took a 31-20 lead into halftime.
The Tigers responded with an impressive third-quarter push, outscoring Jackson State 16-8 and cutting the deficit to three heading into the final period. Jackson State, took control in the fourth quarter, outscoring Grambling State 18-11 to seal the victory.
Defensively, Grambling State forced 18 turnovers and recorded 11 steals but struggled offensively, shooting just 27.9 percent from the field.
Jackson State narrowly won the rebounding battle and capitalized on second-chance opportunities.
Jackson State was led by Leianya Massenat, who finished with 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including four three-pointers. Taleah Dilworth added 12 points and four steals.
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