NASHVILLE — Tennessee State women's basketball opens Ohio Valley Conference play Thursday evening, hosting UT Martin at 5 p.m. inside the Gentry Center. The Lady Tigers look to carry recent momentum into league action and continue their development under head coach Candice Dupree.

TSU has shown steady growth across several areas, particularly in bench production and defensive pressure. In its most recent outing, the Lady Tigers received 29 points from the bench, led by a career-high 14 points from Laila Lancaster. Erin Martin added nine points, six rebounds, two blocks, and two steals, helping TSU force 16 turnovers and convert them into 15 points.

On the season, Aaniya Webb leads Tennessee State in scoring at 13.1 points per game, while Somah Kamara contributes 9.3 points per contest and leads the team in steals. Kiki Roberts anchors the frontcourt, averaging 8.0 rebounds per game and providing a consistent interior presence. As a team, TSU averages 36.0 rebounds per game and continues to rely on balanced contributions throughout the lineup.

Thursday's contest marks the 42nd all-time meeting between the two programs. UT Martin leads the series 27–14, but the matchup has historically been competitive, with an average scoring margin just over six points. The Lady Tigers will look to defend their home court and open OVC play on a strong note.

GAME NOTES

Team Notes

• Tennessee State opens OVC play at home for the first time this season.

• TSU's bench is coming off a 29-point performance, nearly half of the team's total scoring in its last outing.

• The Lady Tigers recorded 10 steals and five blocks in their most recent game, continuing an aggressive defensive trend.

• Tennessee State averages 36.0 rebounds per game, led by Kiki Roberts (8.0 rpg).

• TSU has forced or committed 192 total turnovers through nine games, emphasizing a high-pressure defensive identity.

Series Notes

• Thursday marks the 42nd all-time meeting between Tennessee State and UT Martin.

• UT Martin leads the all-time series 27–14, though many recent matchups have been decided by narrow margins.

• The average scoring margin in the series sits just above six points, underscoring the competitiveness of the matchup.

• Tennessee State looks to defend its home court and gain early momentum in OVC play.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

• Aaniya Webb – Team-leading scorer (13.1 ppg) and primary perimeter option.

• Somah Kamara – Versatile guard averaging 9.3 points while leading the team in steals.

• Kiki Roberts – Interior presence and OVC rebounding leader (8.0 rpg).

• Laila Lancaster – Coming off a career-high 14-point performance off the bench.

• Erin Martin – Defensive anchor with rim protection and activity on both ends.