Lorman, Miss. — Nakia Cheatham scored a game-high 18 points and added 13 rebounds to lead Alcorn State to a 62-50 victory over Florida A&M on Thursday night at the Davey L. Whitney Complex.
The Lady Braves improved to 13-10 overall and 10-2 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. They also extended their series win streak over the Rattlers to five games. Florida A&M, now 7-16 and 6-6 in conference play, saw its two-game winning streak end.
Cheatham, a Clarksdale, Mississippi, native, posted her fifth double-double of the season and her second consecutive. Kiarra Henderson contributed five assists, while Lauren Nelson added 10 points off the bench. Maya Hunkin-Claytor connected on two three-pointers, extending her streak of games with at least one three to 12.
Florida A&M was without key players Tahnyjia Purifoy and Aina Subirats due to injury. The Rattlers shot 50% in the first quarter to lead 18-14 but were held to just eight points in the second quarter as Alcorn took a 29-26 halftime lead.
The Lady Braves outscored FAMU 11-4 in the third quarter and maintained their lead in the final period. Despite being out-rebounded 40-39, Alcorn dominated in the paint 32-22 and led 19-7 in fastbreak points. The Rattlers managed only two field goals in the last 10 minutes, while the Braves shot 8-for-17 from the floor.
Alcorn State will host Bethune-Cookman on Saturday at 1 p.m. after the Wildcats defeated Jackson State 58-50 in their previous game. Fans can follow updates on Twitter (@BravesSports), Instagram (@AlcornSports), and YouTube (Braves Sports Network).
