Prairie View A&M (7-13, 4-4 SWAC) started off on the right foot with four quick points, but Alabama State responded with a 5-1 run, to which Prairie View A&M answered with a similar surge. However, the Lady Hornets managed to tie the score at 14 going into the second, where -- despite the efforts of senior Dominique Newman, who scored eight points in the first half -- the Panthers struggled to keep pace.

At the break, Prairie View A&M trailed 24-18, prompting Panthers Head Coach Sandy Pugh to test the team's mettle.
 
"During the first quarter, we weren't in sync at all," Pugh said. "We had a little fire and brimstone at halftime, and we challenged them. [We said] this is our game, this is what we're here for and we have to go out and execute. I thought we were giving up way too many easy [baskets], and our rotations weren't where they needed to be. And with our half court offense, we were just really erratic. We just needed to settle in and see a couple go through the basket."
 
Despite falling behind 33-23 with 6:20 left in the third, the Panthers regrouped to answer the bell from that point on. Senior Ke'Asia Williams led a 10-4 Panther run to cut the deficit to 37-33 with 1:34 left, and after two made free throws, Perez closed out the period with a jumper that brought the team within two at 39-37 going to the fourth.
 
Perez continued to bedevil the Lady Hornets, ultimately giving Prairie View A&M their first lead of the second half at 41-39. Then, freshman Rachel Williams led a 9-2 run that left the Panthers up 50-43 and poised to close it out, but thanks to free throws Alabama State tied the game at 52, necessitating extra time.
 
Defense ruled from there, as neither side got much done in the first overtime. In the second overtime, K. Williams put home a pair of buckets early on to put the Panthers ahead for good, as they fended off the Lady Hornets to preserve the win.
 
Perez led the team with 17 points, five rebounds, four steals and one assist. K. Williams was a rebound shy of a double-double, posting 10 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Newman also contributed with eight points, four rebounds and two steals.
 
Next Up:
The Panthers will close out their road trip with a matchup against Alabama A&M. The game is set for Monday, Feb. 3 in Huntsville, Ala. with tip-off set for 5:30 p.m.