ALBANY, Ga. | Albany State made their 2019 home debut on Saturday afternoon when they hosted first-place Benedict College at The Arena at West Campus.

The Golden Rams trailed by seven entering the final period and it quickly grew to a 14-point deficit as Benedict scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter. 

ASU followed with a run of their own, scoring nine straight in under two minutes to make it a five point game. 

The two teams then went back-and-forth until Tyra Thompson hit a 3-pointer with 55 seconds remaining, then stole the ball on the ensuing Tigers' possession and found Ashley Johnson who converted a fast break layup to make it a two point game with 27 seconds remaining. 

After a Benedict timeout, the Tigers next two possessions saw them commit a turnover and then miss two free throws. The Golden Rams were unable to capitalize, however, as ASU turned it over both of their final possessions as Benedict took the game, 64-61. 

Alexandria James had a game-high 21 points for Albany State (5-15, 4-6), including going 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Johnson finished with 12 points and Thompson had 11 points for the Golden Rams. Shantrell Holland led the team with seven rebounds.

Ay'Anna Bey led Benedict (15-4, 10-0) with 20 points and 15 rebounds.

ASU will host Paine College on Monday, January 28th. Tip off is set for 5:30 pm.