NASHVILLE — The Tennessee State women's basketball team went into the fourth quarter tied 55-55 with Little Rock, but could not take control and fell 67-63 to the Trojans at the Gentry Saturday.
The Tigers (4-10, 0-4) had three players score in double figures, led by Somah Kamara, who had 19 points. Saniah Parker added 14 points and three steals and Lyric Cole helped out with a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Led by Cole's four offensive rebounds, Tennessee State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 11 boards that resulted in 10 second chance points.
The Tennessee State defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Saturday's game, forcing 16 Little Rock turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 17 points on the other end of the floor. Parker's three steals led the way individually for the Tigers.
How It Happened
After jumping out to an 8-6 advantage, Tennessee State went on a 5-0 run with 5:01 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Parker, to increase its lead to 13-6. The Tigers then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 19-15 advantage. Tennessee State did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 10 of its 19 points close to the basket.
Tennessee State built that first quarter lead to 25-19 before going on a 7-0 run starting at the 6:13 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Krystal Haddock, to increase its lead to 32-19. The Trojans cut into that lead, but the Tigers still enjoyed a 37-29 advantage heading into halftime. Tennessee State forced five Little Rock turnovers in the period and turned them into seven points.
Little Rock then took a 49-46 lead following intermission before Tennessee State went on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Aaniya Webb, to grab a 51-49 lead with 3:26 to go in the third. The Trojans then rallied to tie it at 55-55 heading into the fourth quarter. Tennessee State played well near the basket, scoring 12 of its 18 points in the paint.
Little Rock broke the tie, edging ahead in the game's final quarter and leaving Tennessee State behind 67-63 at the final buzzer. Tennessee State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring four of its eight points in the paint.
Game Notes
» Lyric Cole notched a double-double for the Tigers with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
» Tennessee State lost despite a 35-30 rebounding advantage.
» The Tennessee State defense forced 16 turnovers.
» Tennessee State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Somah Kamara led the Tigers with 19 points.
» Tennessee State got a game-high 11 rebounds from Lyric Cole.
