By: SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
RENO, Nev. — The Alabama A&M women’s basketball team battled wire-to-wire on Friday night but ultimately fell short in a hard-fought 57–52 road loss to Nevada at the Lawlor Events Center. Despite three Bulldogs finishing in double figures, AAMU could not overcome key second-half runs by the Wolf Pack.
Aniya Palmer led the Bulldogs (1–4) with an efficient 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, along with five rebounds, two steals and one assist. Coriah Beck added 12 points, three assists, two steals and two boards, while Rakiyah Beal contributed 11 points and four rebounds.
Nevada (3–2) was paced by Chloe Williams, who scored 12 points, and Izzy Sullivan, who added 11, including seven crucial free throws.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Nevada opened the game strong, taking a 12–7 lead with 3:38 left in the first quarter, but the Bulldogs closed the gap to 16–14 by the end of the period.
A three-point play by Beck gave AAMU a 22–21 lead, and Palmer’s late bucket sent the Bulldogs into halftime ahead 26–25.
The third quarter proved pivotal. With the score tied at 29, Nevada used a 7–2 run to reclaim control, eventually extending the lead to 36–31. AAMU chipped away behind Palmer and Beal, but the Wolf Pack responded each time the Bulldogs threatened.
Nevada pushed its advantage to 48–39 with just under four minutes left, but Alabama A&M surged back, cutting the deficit to 48–45 on a Beal layup. AAMU later pulled within 53–50 in the final minutes but couldn’t complete the comeback.
GAME NOTES
Alabama A&M shot 44.2% from the field and grabbed 30 rebounds, with Palmer, Beck and Beal combining for 37 of the team’s 52 points. The Bulldogs scored 28 points in the paint and forced 16 Nevada turnovers.
Nevada shot 40.8%, scoring 38 points inside and converting 17-of-25 free throws.
UP NEXT
Alabama A&M heads to the Florida Gulf Classic Challenge next Friday to face Cincinnati at 2 p.m. CT on Plex TV.