CARROLLTON, Ga. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed shots and crucial free throws, the West Georgia Wolves edged the Alabama State Lady Hornets 64-61 in a non-conference women’s basketball game on Thursday night at The Coliseum.

Despite a late-game surge from the visiting Lady Hornets, the Wolves did just enough at the foul line to secure the victory in front of 414 fans. The game was a tale of contrasting offensive efficiencies, with both teams struggling from the field but West Georgia capitalizing on a significant disparity in free-throw attempts and makes.

The Wolves attempted 35 free throws, converting 23, while Alabama State managed only 13 attempts, making six. This 17-point advantage from the charity stripe ultimately proved to be the difference.

West Georgia was led by a standout performance from Destiny Jones. The Louisville, Kentucky, native scored 18 points, including several key free throws down the stretch, and added a block. She was complemented by Asia Donald of Hobart, Indiana, who scored 16 points, and Jasmine Jones of Carrollton, Georgia, who chipped in 13 points and two blocks.

For Alabama State, Taylor Smith orchestrated the offense, finishing with 12 points and three assists. Kaitlyn Bryant of Opelika, Alabama, provided a spark with 11 points, while Clearia Peterson and Caylee Simpson each added eight points. Simpson’s scoring came in just nine minutes of action.

The game began with Alabama State seizing early momentum, closing the first quarter with a 17-14 lead. However, the Lady Hornets’ offense stalled in the second period, scoring only 10 points as West Georgia took a 30-27 advantage into halftime.

The third quarter was a low-scoring affair, with both teams trading baskets. West Georgia maintained its narrow lead, entering the final period up 45-42. The fourth quarter saw the offenses awaken, with each team pouring in 19 points. Alabama State fought relentlessly to close the gap, but timely free throws from West Georgia, particularly from Jones and Donald, kept the Lady Hornets at bay.

A late three-pointer from Alabama State’s Kaitlyn Bryant, assisted by Smith, brought the score to 64-61 with 28 seconds remaining. After a West Georgia turnover, the Lady Hornets had a chance to tie, but a contested three-point attempt in the final seconds missed the mark, sealing the win for the Wolves.

Statistically, the game was a battle of attrition. Alabama State held advantages in several categories, including offensive rebounds (18 to 13), steals (10 to 8), blocks (6 to 3), and points in the paint (38 to 26). However, their shooting was cold all night, as they finished 26 of 71 from the floor and a frigid 3 of 16 from beyond the arc. West Georgia was not much better, shooting 18 of 64 overall and 5 of 24 from three-point range.

With the loss, Alabama State falls to 1-3 on the young season. The Lady Hornets will look to rebound when they travel to face Vanderbilt on Nov. 21. West Georgia improves to 2-1 and will head to Georgia Tech for their next contest on Nov. 19.