In one of the most stunning upsets of the college basketball season opener, an NAIA-competing HBCU knocked off one of the SWAC's top women's basketball teams, Talladega College. They pulled off a huge victory over Dawn Brown and the Alabama A&M Lady Bulldogs, 59-53. Although Talladega College is an NAIA competitor, the team finished 17-10 overall and 7-6 in conference.
The game was tight throughout, with Alabama A&M leading 28-27 at halftime. In the third quarter, Talladega stayed competitive, chipped away at the deficit, and even took the lead. They maintained the lead through the fourth quarter, including going up by 7 points early, and ultimately finished with a 59-53 advantage.
A significant reason for Alabama A&M's loss was their shooting. The Lady Bulldogs struggled from the field, shooting just 31.5% (17-of-54) and making only 3 three-pointers. Talladega used its depth to its advantage, winning the bench battle 25-15. Alabama A&M built an advantage in points off turnovers and second-chance points, and found itself neck and neck with Talladega in other categories.
Article Continues BelowTalladega was more successful in the points-in-the-paint battle, with a 28-to-24 advantage, including a 14-to-4 lead in the first quarter. Ty'Veonna Davis powered Talladega, finishing with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals, and knocking down 4 of 5 three-pointers in 21 minutes of play. She was the only player who reached double figures for Talladega.
The Alabama A&M Lady Bulldogs saw stellar performances from Shun'teria Anumele, who finished the game with 14 points, 5 steals, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block in 28 minutes of play. Asianae Nicholson also had a good night, finishing with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals.