JONESBORO, Ark. (1/11/24) – Arkansas State women's basketball (8-6, 2-2 SBC) used an offensive explosion in the second-half to make a statement in a 73-48 victory over Texas State (10-6, 1-3) on Thursday night at First National Bank Arena.
A-State had three double-digit scorers in the contest with
Izzy Higginbottom (33 points) leading the way. It was her third career 30-plus point performance, falling just two points shy of her career-high at 35.
The Scarlet and Black shot 28-for-47 (59 percent) from the field, which is the highest shooting percentage of the season and ties for the second-most makes against a Division I opponent this season. The team also shot 53 percent (10-for-19) from 3-point range, which is the second time the Red Wolves have shot above 50 percent from deep this year.
The defense was intense, holding Texas State to 33 percent (19-for-57) shooting and forcing three shot clock violations. It was the lowest shooting percentage and second-lowest makes by an opponent this season.
A-State opened the game strong, using a 10-0 run to make the score 18-7 with 2:11 left in the first quarter. Both sides traded shots from there as the Red Wolves closed the period with a 23-13 lead.
The Bobcats put together a quick 5-0 run after Higginbottom opened the quarter with a jumper, but the Scarlet and Black kept their distance through the end of the quarter. A-State led 39-29 at the half, which is their first double-digit lead at the break since leading by 47 against Hendrix on November 21.
Higginbottom finished the half with 16 points while the team shot 16-for-24 (67 percent) from the floor and 4-for-7 (57 percent) from beyond the arc.
Anna Griffin also had a solid first half with eight points, including shooting 2-for-2 from deep.
Texas State took the rebound battle 14-12, but the Red Wolves controlled the paint, outscoring their opponents 20-12. A-State also took advantage of turnovers, scoring 12 points off eight giveaways from the Bobcats.
The Scarlet and Black used an 18-3 run to take control of the game in the middle of the third, leading 57-34 with 2:33 left in the quarter. A-State shot 8-for-14 (57 percent) from the field and used stifling defense to hold Texas State to 19 percent (3-for-16) shooting.
A-State entered the fourth quarter ahead 60-36, and their lead would not change much over the course of the final period. The Red Wolves outscored Texas State 13-12 to cap off a 73-48 victory.
The Scarlet and Black allowed their lowest point total to a Sun Belt opponent since holding South Alabama to 47 points on January 19, 2023. The 27-point margin of victory is the largest against a conference opponent since a 28-point victory over ULM on January 8, 2022.
NEXT UP
Arkansas State enters the second half of their two-game homestand with a matchup against Louisiana at First National Bank Arena on Saturday, January 13.
Tip-off is set for 12:00 p.m. on ESPN+, and the Radio broadcast can be heard on 95.3/96.9 The Ticket Radio Network along with the A-State Red Wolves mobile app.
SOCIAL MEDIA
For the latest on the A-State women's basketball program, follow @AStateWB on Twitter/X and @astatewbb on Instagram, while also liking the team's Facebook page at Facebook.com/RedWolvesWBB.
