Wallace State Women Open Conference Play With 48–38 Road Win at Bishop State
MOBILE, Ala. — Wallace State women's basketball opened ACCC conference play with a hard-fought 48–38 road victory at Bishop State on Thursday night, extending its unbeaten start to the season.
The Lions endured a slow start offensively, trailing 11–10 at the end of the first quarter. Wallace State continued to grind in the second period and was able to edge in front before the break, taking a narrow 18–17 lead into halftime.
Wallace State began to pull away in the third quarter, led by improved defensive pressure and rebounding, outscoring Bishop State to build a 35–30 lead heading into the final period. The Lions then closed the game out in the fourth, holding Bishop State to eight points to secure the 10-point conference-opening win.
Defense and rebounding proved to be the difference for Wallace State. The Lions dominated the glass with a 35–19 rebounding advantage, including a decisive 15–3 edge on the offensive boards, creating valuable second-chance opportunities. Wallace State also forced 20 turnovers and recorded 10 steals, consistently disrupting Bishop State's offensive rhythm.
The Lions limited Bishop State to 8.3 percent shooting from three-point range, as the Wildcats finished just 1-of-12 from beyond the arc.
Zamyra Goode led Wallace State with 16 points, adding seven rebounds and a steal. Leah Childress followed with nine points, while Idaysia Mercer contributed six points, five rebounds, three assists and a team-high four steals.
Taylor Smith controlled the paint with six points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a block. Sinaya Gibson added five points, five rebounds and a block, while Bailey Tetro chipped in four points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. Nia Smith rounded out the scoring with two points and a rebound.
With the win, Wallace State improves to 16–0 overall and 1–0 in ACCC play.
The Lions will return to the road Monday, Jan. 19, for a conference matchup at Gadsden State. Gadsden State enters the game at 9–7 overall and 1–0 in conference play after an 88–78 overtime win over Coastal Alabama South.