FINAL BOX

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee State University women's basketball team snapped a two-game skid after defeating Jacksonville State, 64-51, Saturday night in the Gentry Center.

TSU (8-9, 3-4 OVC) used a 12-3 run to take control of the game in the second half and never trailed in the fourth quarter. Jacksonville State fell to 8-11 (1-6 OVC).

Jayda Johnson led TSU with 12 points while Olivia Jones added 11.

JSU had three players score in double-digits led by Lacey Buchanon's 15 points. Rayven Pearson tallied 11 while Tyler Phelion posted a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds.

After a back-and-forth first half, TSU scored four out of the last six points to carry a 28-24, lead into the locker room.

In the third quarter, Jacksonville State quickly erased TSU's lead and evened the game at 28-all. Jayda Johnson sank a jumper to get the Lady Tigers on the board but the Gamecocks answered with a triple to capture a 31-30 lead.

Tiana Parker made a free-throw on the home team's next possession to once again knot the game. The score was, 38-37, in favor of TSU when a 6-2 run put the Lady Tigers on top, 44-39, heading into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, Maxine dribbled the length of the court and connected in the paint to extend the Lady Tigers' lead to, 46-39.

TSU grabeed its largest lead of the game, 52-42, when I'mani Davis drained a long two-pointer from the corner at the 6:20 mark.

Over next three possessions, the TSU defense dominated. The Lady Tigers forced three straight turnovers and turned the miscues into six points to make the score, 58-42, with 5:25 remaining.

With 3:29 on the clock, Kaliya Griffin made her second three-pointer of the game to give the Lady Tigers a 62-47 edge.

The Lady Tigers maintained a comfortable lead the rest of the way.

Tennessee State returns to the road to face SIU Edwardsville in OVC action on Wednesday, Jan. 25. Game time is set for 11:30 a.m. in the Vadalabene Center.

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