NASHVILLE — Somah Kamara knocked down a game-tying shot with :11 seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime and Saniah Parker put the Tennessee State women's basketball team ahead for good with 4:02 to go in the extra period to give the Tigers a 92-87 win over the UNC Asheville on Saturday.
The Tigers (4-4) had three players score in double figures, led by Somah Kamara, who had 29 points. Sanaa' St. Andre added 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals and Erin Martin chipped in as well with 18 points off of the bench.
Tennessee State out-rebounded UNC Asheville 51-45 in Saturday's game, led by 17 boards from Lyric Cole. The Tigers also grabbed 19 offensive rebounds and scored 17 second chance points.
The Tennessee State defense was a problem in Saturday's game, forcing 15 UNC Asheville turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 19 points on the offensive end of the floor. St. Andre's three steals led the way individually for the Tigers.
How It Happened
After falling behind 20-4, Tennessee State went on a 7-0 run with 1:54 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Krystal Haddock, to narrow its deficit to 20-11, a score that would hold for the rest of the period.
The Tigers fought back in the second period, narrowing the deficit to 33-30 by the time halftime rolled around.
Tennessee State came out of halftime on fire, going on a 15-0 run, punctuated by a three from St. Andre, to grab a 45-33 lead with 5:30 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Bulldogs had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Tigers still entered the fourth quarter with a 58-49 edge. Tennessee State played well near the basket, scoring 16 of its 28 points in the paint.
UNC Asheville proceeded to take a 73-71 lead before Tennessee State went on a 7-0 run to seize a 78-73 lead with 59 seconds to go in the fourth. The Bulldogs then fought back to even things up at 79-79 and send the game to overtime. Tennessee State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 14 of its 21 points in the paint.
Tennessee State started overtime with a bang, going on a 5-0 run, finished off by Kamara's layup, to seize an 84-79 lead with 3:24 to go in the period. The Tigers held onto that lead for the rest of the game for the 92-87 win.
Game Notes
» The Tigers held the Bulldogs to only 39.7 percent shooting from the field.
» Tennessee State had a 51-45 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Tennessee State defense forced 15 turnovers.
» The Tigers were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.
» Tennessee State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 19 offensive boards in the game.
» Somah Kamara led the Tigers with 29 points.
» Tennessee State got a game-high 17 rebounds from Lyric Cole.
