Jackson State Edges Alcorn in Overtime Thriller

Lorman, Miss. — Jackson State rallied to beat Alcorn State 52-49 in overtime Saturday in a Southwestern Athletic Conference women’s basketball game at Davey L. Whitney Complex. The game was closely contested, but Alcorn’s struggles from beyond the arc proved costly.

Alcorn, which fell to 14-11 overall and 11-3 in SWAC play, now trails Alabama A&M by 2.5 games for first place in the conference standings. The Braves sit 1.5 games ahead of Alabama State in second. Jackson State improved to 9-17 overall and 7-7 in the SWAC, moving into sixth place.

Nakia Cheatham led all scorers with 19 points and added 13 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the season. Kiarra Henderson contributed eight points, five assists, four steals and two blocks. Maya Hunkin-Claytor was held scoreless, missing all seven of her three-point attempts. Chrishunti Walker grabbed seven rebounds but shot 2 of 9 from the field.

The game saw Jackson State lead 24-19 at halftime. Alcorn struggled offensively, missing several layups and hitting only 3 of 23 from three-point range. Henderson’s layup and free throws gave the Braves a 33-29 lead in the third quarter, but Jackson State responded. The Tigers’ turnaround jumper by Cotton and late free throws kept the game tied 42-42 at the end of regulation.

In overtime, Hunkin-Claytor missed all three of her three-point attempts. Henderson’s layup put Jackson State ahead 44-42. Back-to-back three-pointers by Cotton and Wilkinson sealed the victory for the Tigers, who finished 4 of 6 at the foul line. The Braves outscored Jackson State 11-10 from the bench but couldn’t overcome their shooting woes.

Alcorn will travel to Texas Southern for a road game Thursday at 5 p.m., continuing their SWAC schedule. Follow Alcorn State Sports on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for updates and behind-the-scenes coverage.

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