FORT WORTH, Texas — Tennessee State women's basketball showed grit and growth in their first road trip of the 2025-26 season, battling throughout before coming up just short in an 85-80 matchup against TCU.

The Lady Tigers (0-3) faced an early challenge as TCU opened with a 17-0 run through the first four and a half minutes. Aaniya Webb broke the drought with a three-pointer to get TSU on the board, followed by back-to-back buckets from Webb and Xai'Onna Whitfield to cut into the lead. Zoe Young tallied her first collegiate basket as the Tigers closed the first quarter strong, outscoring the Horned Frogs 7-4 to end the frame.

Amiyah Ferguson sparked the offense to start the second quarter with a jumper from deep. Whitfield and Kaliyah Montoya added baskets before the break, as TSU battled on the boards and forced 10 turnovers in the first half while pulling down 14 rebounds.

In the third quarter, Ferguson and Wooldridge combined for four points, while the Tigers' defense continued to pressure TCU into mistakes.

TSU continued to find bright spots in the final period. Laila Lancaster scored her first points as a Tiger, and freshman Icesis Thomas notched her first collegiate basket. Ferguson and Montoya closed out the scoring with a jumper and a free throw to bring the game within reach late.

Game Notes

• Amiyah Ferguson led the team with 13 points, shooting 5-of-10 from the floor and adding one three-pointer.

• The Lady Tigers' bench made a big impact, combining for 21 points.

• TSU dominated inside, recording 40 points in the paint and 11 offensive rebounds.

• The defense forced 12 turnovers, converting them into four points.

• Zoe Young and Kaliyah Montoya each grabbed five rebounds to lead the way on the glass.

Up Next

Tennessee State continues its Lone Star State road swing on Friday, taking on UT Arlington at 5 p.m. CT. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ and follow @TSUTigerWBB on all social media platforms for updates and highlights.