FINAL STATS

Morehead, Ky. --- The Tennessee University women's basketball team used a strong second half to defeat Morehead State, 68-56, on the road in Johnson Arena Saturday night.

TSU used a 15-2 second-half run to open up the game and would go on to outscore MSU, 38-26, in the second frame to secure the win.

With the win TSU improved to 8-10 (4-3 OVC) and took over sole possession of fourth place in the East Division standings.

Three Lady Tigers scored in double-digits led by Kesi Hess' 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting. Simone Hopes just missed a double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds while Avery Jones added 14 points and seven boards. Rachel Allen dished out six assists.

Morehead State (7-14, 3-4 OVC) was led in scoring by Almesha Jones (15) and Allie Turner (15).

Both teams went tit for tat in the first half as the statistical categories were nearly even on both sides. TSU shot 42.3 percent from the field, in a half that featured four ties and five lead changes, while MSU knocked down 40 percent from the floor.

Each team had 17 rebounds, seven turnovers and five steals in the first stanza.

TSU was trailing, 30-28, when Kesi Hess hit a jumper at the buzzer to make the score 30-all at the break.

The first part of the second half was much like the opening frame as the scored stayed close and the teams traded buckets. The game was knotted at 36 when TSU used an 8-0 run to go ahead, 44-36, with 13:41 left in the game.

A few moments later, Brianna Lawrence knocked down a triple before Simone Hopes connected in the paint to make the score, 51-38, in favor of TSU.

With about five minutes left in the game, MSU cut the deficit down to nine but the Lady Tigers answered with a couple buckets to increase the lead back up to double-digits.

The Lady Tigers maintained the lead the rest of the contest.

Tennessee State shot 42.0 percent from the field, including 46.2 percent from three-point range. TSU also won the battle of the boards, 42-33, while holding the advantage in bench points, 10-1.

Next the Lady Tigers will head over to Eastern Kentucky to face the Colonels on Monday, Jan. 28. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in McBrayer Arena. 

---tsutigers---