Next Game:
AUM
12/1/2025 | 6:00 PM
SWAC TV
Dec. 01 (Mon) / 6:00 PM
AUM
History
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Alabama State women’s basketball fell to undefeated Vanderbilt University, 92–38, on Friday inside Memorial Gymnasium.
The Commodores (5–0) used their length, pressure defense, and deep scoring rotation to control the match up from the opening tip. Vanderbilt forced 38 turnovers and turned them into 50 points, steadily pulling away as the game progressed. Alabama State (1–5) battled throughout the morning contest and had bright moments from several contributors despite the road setback.
First Half: Early Offensive Spark, Tough Vandy Run
After Vanderbilt opened with an early 3–0 lead, Clearia Peterson put the Hornets on the board with a layup at the 8:11 mark of the first quarter. Taylor Smith connected on a three-pointer late in the period, and Amari Franklin added a pair of finishes inside, but Alabama State trailed 24–9 after the opening frame.
The Hornets found better rhythm in the second quarter, highlighted by Franklin’s three-pointer at 9:49 and another triple from Smith less than two minutes later. Kaia Ponder knocked down a jumper and added a free throw, and Takaya Walters-Norman hit two free throws in the final seconds, but Vanderbilt’s hot perimeter shooting—led by Ava Black and Aga Makurat—helped the Commodores take a 50–22 lead into halftime.
Third Quarter: Smith Stays Hot from Three
Taylor Smith continued her strong shooting performance with her third three-pointer early in the third quarter, and Charlese McClendon added a driving layup to break a scoring drought. Ponder added another point at the line, but Vanderbilt’s combination of second-chance scoring and transition baskets pushed the deficit to 77–28 heading into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter: Hornets Keep Competing
Alabama State produced its best rebounding sequence of the day early in the fourth quarter, sparked by Ponder and McClendon on the glass. Ponder added two more points at the free throw line, and Smith hit yet another perimeter jumper to finish with a team-high nine points. McClendon contributed five points, while Franklin provided steady production with nine points and six rebounds.
The Hornets’ bench also found late contributions from Shamya Reid, Ashley Gray, and Walters-Norman as ASU closed with 10 points in the final period.
By the Numbers
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Taylor Smith: 9 points (3-for-3 from three), 3 assists
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Amari Franklin: 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
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Kaia Ponder: 7 points, 7 rebounds
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Team Rebounds: 36 (8 offensive)
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Bench Points: 16
Up Next
Alabama State returns home to host AUM on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m..
