Opening Tip: Coming off a season-opening win over Cumberland, 73-62, the Tennessee State women's basketball team heads into a pair of nonconference matchups in the Atlantic Sun. TSU will face Eastern Kentucky on Friday and Lipscomb on Monday.

Series Information vs. Eastern Kentucky: Friday marks the 72nd all-time meeting between TSU and Eastern Kentucky, with EKU leading the series 45-26. Last season, EKU defeated TSU 79-69 in Nashville, marking the first game between the two teams since the Colonels left the OVC in 2021.

Series Information vs. Lipscomb: Monday will be the 17th all-time meeting between TSU and Lipscomb, with the Tigers leading the series 12-5. Last season, the Bisons topped TSU 74-64.

CUMBERLAND BY THE NUMBERS: 

Kamara Debut: Somah Kamara led Tennessee State with a game-high 19 points, shooting 8-of-14 from the field and 2-of-5 from three-point range. Kamara also pulled down six rebounds and contributed a block, setting the tone on both ends of the court.

Parker's Sharp Shooting: Saniah Parker scored 16 points, going 4-of-10 from beyond the arc. She also added six rebounds, three steals, and two assists.
Dominance on the Boards: TSU outrebounded Cumberland 50-35, including 15 offensive boards that led to several second-chance opportunities. Erin Martin and XaiOnna Whitfield were crucial on the glass, each securing 10 rebounds.

Martin's All-Around Game: Erin Martin contributed 11 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and three steals, recording a double-double.

Defensive Prowess: Tennessee State's defense forced 22 turnovers and recorded 14 steals, with Parker, Martin, and Lyric Cole each adding three steals. This defensive pressure kept Cumberland from finding a rhythm and allowed TSU to control the game's tempo.

Bench Production: The Tigers' bench provided a spark, with XaiOnna Whitfield scoring 10 points on 3-of-9 shooting and adding 10 rebounds. Angel Hill also contributed four points and two assists in 18 minutes.

Strong Team Effort: TSU displayed solid teamwork with 14 assists on 28 made field goals. Their ball movement allowed them to spread the floor and generate quality scoring opportunities, helping them achieve a balanced offensive attack.

Efficient Scoring Inside: TSU made 28 of their 72 field goal attempts (38.9%) and was especially efficient inside the arc, where Lyric Cole went 4-of-5 to finish with 10 points.