NASHVILLE — The Tennessee State women's basketball team locked in defensively and earned a hard-fought 82–76 victory over North Alabama on Wednesday in the Gentry Center. The Lady Tigers held the Lions to just 20 percent from three (3-of-15) and 39.1 percent overall from the field over the course of the game.

TSU featured a balanced scoring attack, with Aaniya Webb leading the way with 21 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. Sadie Sanchez came off the bench to chip in 15 points and two blocks, and Somah Kamara added another 15 points to round out the double-figure contributors. On the boards, Kiki Roberts paced the team with nine rebounds.

Defensively, the Tigers were relentless, limiting North Alabama's perimeter game and contesting shots all over the floor. That defensive intensity translated into key stops and transition opportunities, helping TSU sustain momentum throughout.

How It Happened

• First Quarter: TSU jumped out to a 12–10 lead early and broke the game open with a 6–0 run capped by a basket from Webb, giving them an 18–10 edge. While the Lions trimmed the lead late in the quarter, the Tigers still led 23–19 at the break, fueled largely by 12 points in the paint.

• Second Quarter: North Alabama battled back to tie the game at 34–34, but TSU responded with a 5–0 run beginning at the 3:54 mark to go on top 39–34. The Tigers then added one more point, and used three forced turnovers in the period to convert them into five points, heading into halftime up 42–36.

• Third Quarter: This was the defining stretch. TSU came out aggressively, going on a 6–0 run to push its lead to 48–36 with 8:24 left in the quarter. The bench played a huge role in sustaining that surge — non-starters scored five of TSU's 18 third-quarter points, helping to keep the momentum on the Lady Tigers' side. Despite a North Alabama rally, TSU maintained poise and entered the fourth quarter with a 60–56 lead.

• Fourth Quarter: In the final frame, TSU maintained control. The Tigers outscored UNA by 22–20, and the bench again proved valuable: non-starters contributed 11 of TSU's 22 points in the quarter. TSU also capitalized in the paint, scoring 12 of its 17 fourth-quarter points inside, which helped them secure the 82–76 win.

Game Notes

• The Lady Tigers limited North Alabama to 39.1% shooting overall.

• TSU held UNA to just 20% from beyond the arc (3-of-15).

• Aaniya Webb led TSU with 21 points.

• Kiki Roberts grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.