EVANSVILLE, Ind. - The Tennessee State women's basketball team kept Morehead State to just 18.8 percent from 3-point range in a 3-for-16 shooting performance on the way to a 58-50 win against the Eagles at Ford Center Wednesday in the first round of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. The win marks TSU's first OVC Tournament win since the 2021-22 season.
The Tigers (11-18) had three players score in double figures, led by Eboni Williams, who put together a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Sanaa' St. Andre added 12 points and three steals and Lyric Cole helped out with 10 points.
Williams pulled down six offensive rebounds to lead an offense that racked up second-chance opportunities for Tennessee State, grabbing 12 boards and turning them into eight second-chance points.
Tennessee State's defense held Morehead State to only 18.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 34 percent from the field.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 7-5 advantage, Tennessee State went on a 5-0 run with 5:03 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Zyion Shannon, to increase its lead to 12-5. The Tigers then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 17-12 advantage. Tennessee State did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 12 of its 17 points close to the basket.
Morehead State rallied to take a 23-21 lead before Tennessee State went on a 7-0 run starting at the 4:48 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Caitlin Anderson, to take a 28-23 lead. The Eagles cut into that lead, but the Tigers still enjoyed a 28-26 advantage heading into halftime. Tennessee State dominated in the paint, scoring six of its 11 points close to the basket.
Tennessee State continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on a 6-0 run, punctuated by a basket from St. Andre, to expand its lead further to 42-35 with 3:10 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Eagles had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Tigers still entered the fourth quarter with a 42-38 edge. Tennessee State played well near the basket, scoring 10 of its 14 points in the paint.
The Tigers coasted to the win from there, increasing their margin of victory by outscoring the Eagles 16-12 in the fourth quarter. Tennessee State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 10 of its 16 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» Eboni Williams notched a double-double for the Tigers with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
» The Tigers held the Eagles to only 34 percent shooting from the field.
» Tennessee State had a great day defensively, holding Morehead State to 19 percent from three point land on 16 attempts.
» Tennessee State had a 39-38 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Tennessee State defense forced 23 turnovers.
» Tennessee State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
» Eboni Williams led the Tigers with 13 points.
» Eboni Williams nabbed 12 rebounds to lead Tennessee State and Caitlin Anderson contributed 10.
Next Up
With today's win, TSU will move on to the quarterfinals and take on No. 5 Eastern Illinois tomorrow afternoon. Tip-off from the Ford Center is slated for 1:00 p.m.
