NASHVILLE – The Tennessee State women's basketball team closed the game on a strong run to rally past Southeast Missouri State, 76-72, Saturday afternoon at the Gentry Center.
Trailing by as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter, the Lady Tigers (2-9, 1-1 OVC) turned the tide with timely shooting, defensive stops, and poise down the stretch to secure their first home Ohio Valley Conference win of the season.
Tennessee State had four players score in double figures, led by Xai Whitfield, who finished with 22 points to go along with six assists and two steals. Sadie Sanchez provided a spark off the bench, scoring 15 points while knocking down four three-pointers, including multiple clutch shots in the fourth quarter. Brianna Wooldridge added a strong inside presence with 14 points, nine rebounds, and two steals.
The Lady Tigers shared the ball well throughout the contest, recording 16 assists on 28 made field goals. Whitfield led the way with six assists, while Erin Martin added three. Defensively, Tennessee State limited Southeast Missouri State to 36.5 percent shooting from the field and just 22.7 percent from beyond the arc, while forcing 16 turnovers.
How It Happened
Tennessee State trailed 22-16 late in the first quarter before closing the period on a 5-0 run, capped by a three-pointer from Sanchez, to cut the deficit to 22-21.
In the second quarter, the Lady Tigers continued to attack inside and briefly took the lead following a 5-0 run highlighted by a three from Martin. Southeast Missouri State responded, and the teams entered halftime tied at 37-37, with Tennessee State scoring 10 of its 16 second-quarter points in the paint.
The Redhawks gained momentum in the third quarter, building a lead and sending the Lady Tigers into the final period trailing 58-50. Tennessee State continued to find success around the basket, scoring eight of its 13 points in the quarter in the paint.
Southeast Missouri State extended its lead to 63-52 early in the fourth quarter, but the Lady Tigers answered with a decisive 12-0 run to pull within one. Tennessee State took the lead for good with 1:26 remaining on a Sanchez three-pointer and sealed the comeback at the free-throw line in the closing seconds. The Lady Tigers scored 26 points in the fourth quarter, including four three-pointers.
Game Notes
» Tennessee State rallied from an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to earn the win.
» The Lady Tigers shot 45.0 percent from three-point range, knocking down nine of 20 attempts.
» Tennessee State held Southeast Missouri State to 36.5 percent shooting from the field.
» The Lady Tigers recorded 16 total assists.
» Tennessee State's bench contributed 27 points.
» The Lady Tigers forced 16 turnovers.
» Xai Whitfield led Tennessee State with 22 points.
» Brianna Wooldridge grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.
Up Next
Tennessee State returns to action on the road Tuesday, Dec. 30, when the Lady Tigers travel to take on Tennessee Tech. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
