SAINT CHARLES, MO - The Tennessee State women's basketball team fought back from a 59-58 deficit after the third quarter to defeat the Lindenwood (MO) Lions 79-74 on the road Saturday.
The Lady Tigers (6-9, 1-3) had three players score in double figures, led by Gia Adams, who had 27 points and three steals. Erica Haynes-Overton added 20 points and five steals and Ashley Malone helped out with 10 points off of the bench.
Lyric Cole pulled down two offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second-chance opportunities for Tennessee State, grabbing 14 boards and turning them into 16 second-chance points.
The Tennessee State defense was a problem in Saturday's game, forcing 24 Lindenwood (MO) turnovers while committing 16. Those takeaways turned into 29 points on the other end of the floor. Haynes-Overton's five steals led the way individually for the Lady Tigers.
How It Happened
Tennessee State kept it close in the first quarter, but entered the second frame down 18-16.
Lindenwood (MO) kept adding to that lead, building a 23-18 advantage before Tennessee State went on an 8-0 run, highlighted by a three from Saniah Parker, to take a 26-23 lead. The Lions then came roaring back to take a 33-32 lead heading into halftime.
Lindenwood (MO) continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 59-53 advantage before Tennessee State went on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a three from Adams, to trim its deficit to 59-58 with seven seconds to go in the third, a score which remained until the end of the third quarter. Tennessee State took advantage of five Lindenwood (MO) turnovers in the quarter, scoring eight points off of takeaways.
Lindenwood (MO) kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 69-62 advantage before Tennessee State went on a 10-0 run, finished off by Adams' layup, to seize a 72-69 lead with 2:05 to go in the contest. The Lady Tigers kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 79-74 win. Tennessee State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 16 of its 21 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Lady Tigers rallied from a one-point 59-58 third-quarter deficit to pick up the win.
» Tennessee State had a 32-29 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Tennessee State defense forced 24 turnovers.
» Tennessee State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 14 offensive boards in the game.
» Gia Adams had a game-high 27 points and Erica Haynes-Overton added 20.
» Tennessee State got a game-high nine rebounds from Lyric Cole.
Next Up
The Lady Tigers will be back in action on Thursday evening as they are set to host UT Martin. Tip-off from the Gentry Center is slated for 5:30 p.m.
