PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – Artavia Fords 17 points effort led the women's basketball team past Alabama State in a 71-59 decision, Monday night at the Baby Dome.
 
In the win Ford also added seven rebounds and one block. Shala Dobbins followed with 15 points, while Newman contributed 13 points and three steals.
 
After tying twice in the opening minutes of the first quarter, PVAMU took their first lead of the game at 9-4 after going on a 7-0 run starting at the 7:36 mark. A made layup by senior forward La'Neique Nealey pushed the team ahead 11-7 with just over five minutes left in the period. After a jumper from senior guard Jordyn Penniman in the final seconds of the quarter, PV went into the second quarter leading 21-17.
 
A 4-0 run led by Ford gave the Panthers their first points of the second quarter, extending their lead 25-17 with 7:40 remaining in the half. A 5-0 run led by junior forward Ke'Asia Williams pushed the team ahead 30-19 at the 5:55 mark.
 
A made three point shot from senior guard Sierra Shepard sent the team into halftime with a 35-25 lead. Dobbins and Newman both went into the half leading the team with six points apiece.
 
Two shots from Ford early in the third quarter gave PVAMU a 39-29 lead with 8:33 remaining in the period. Another three point shot from Shepard gave PVAMU a 42-32 lead at the 7:36 mark. A made three pointer from Newman extended the team's lead 48-34 with 4:12 remaining. PV went into the fourth quarter leading 43-53 on a made jumper by Dobbins in the closing seconds of the period.
 
A made three shot from senior guard Chelsea Tieuel pushed PVAMU ahead 58-43 at the 8:23 mark. A 6-0 run led by Dobbins gave the Panthers a 68-50 lead with 3:55 remaining in the period. PV then finished the game with the 71-53 after two made free throws from Dobbins.
 
 
Next, the Lady Panthers will face Texas Southern University on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in Houston.