LORMAN, Miss. -- Alcorn State needed a pair of late free throws Saturday to hold off Mississippi Valley State, 52-47, in the first of two meetings this season between the rival schools.

MVSU (2-13, 0-4 SWAC) wiped away a 12-point first half deficit, but was unable to get over the hump despite 16 points and six rebounds from sophomore Ashley Beals. The Canton, Miss. native converted 4-of-9 shots and 8-of-13 free throws. Against SWAC opponents, Beals is averaging 19.7 points per game.

Kahdejah Stevens complimented Beals with nine points while A'Shanti Weathers chipped in eight points and four rebounds.

Valley found themselves down 29-17 with five minutes remaining before halftime. But the Devilettes came back strong finishing the half on a 9-0 run, capped off with a Christina Reed 3-pointer which cut the Lady Braves' lead to 29-26?at intermission.

In the second half, MVSU tied the game at 38 following a 3-point play by Weathers with 7:51 remaining. The Devilettes tied the game again -- this time at the 3:35 mark -- at 47. Alcorn, however, went on a 5-0 run to distance themselves from MVSU.

Valley will be back on the hardwood Monday at 5:30 p.m. at Southern University.