Columbia, SC- Keidra Green scored a team-high 12 points, but the Albany State Lady Rams had their four-game winning streak snapped in a 55-53 loss to the Benedict College Lady Tigers. With the loss, ASU drops to 6-9 overall and 5-3 in the SIAC. BC improves to 12-4, 7-1.
In the defensive duel, Albany State actually fell behind 8-0 in the early minutes. With star forward Artisha Holston sidelined with two early fouls, the Lady Rams struggled to put points on the scoreboard. The team only shot 30% from the field in the first half.
However, ASU, one of the top defensive teams in the SIAC, kept the game close with its signature scrappy defense. The Lady Rams held Benedict to 29% shooting from the field and forced nine turnovers in the first half and only trailed 23-22 at intermission.
In the second half, the two teams continued to remain close until Benedict went on an 8-0 run to take a 35-26 lead at the 14:56 mark. Benedict held a nine-point advantage on several occasions and seemingly had put the Lady Rams away at the 2:41 mark when they led 55-46.
Albany State had other plans for the contest's end. Green's first three-pointer of the game was a big one, as it ignited a 7-0 run to make the score 55-53 with 16 seconds remaining in regulation. On the ensuing possession, ASU forced Benedict into a turnover with 10 seconds left, and the team had a chance to tie or win the game.
Then, controversy emerged. Kyasha Wilson missed a three-pointer with six seconds left that would have put the Lady Rams ahead. Point guard Mecca Frost missed a shot off the rebound, but Green grabbed her carom, and a foul was called off her put back attempt. However, another referee said that Green's attempt was after the buzzer, and the call was reversed, ending Albany State's chance to share the top spot in the SIAC East division.
Ieshia Young and Zuri Frost each added eight points for ASU.
The Lady Rams shot 17 of 55 from the field (30.9%), 3 of 10 (30%) from three-point range, and 16 of 31 (51.6%) from the free throw line.
Albany State returns to action on Saturday, January 24 when its travels to Augusta, Georgia to face the Paine College Lady Lions. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.
