NASHVILLE – Tennessee State women's basketball carried a seven-point halftime lead into the locker room but came up just short down the stretch, falling 72–67 to Southern Indiana on Saturday afternoon at the Gentry Center.

The Lady Tigers (3–14, 2–6 OVC) placed three players in double figures and showcased balanced scoring, defensive pressure, and perimeter shooting throughout a tightly contested contest.

Xai Whitfield led Tennessee State with 16 points, knocking down three three-pointers while adding an assist and a steal. Somah Kamara provided a strong spark off the bench, scoring 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting while going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Erin Martin added 12 points, five rebounds, and two steals, continuing her steady interior presence.

Tennessee State found success on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive rebounds that turned into 12 second-chance points. Brianna Wooldridge led the effort inside with four offensive boards, while Kiki Roberts pulled down a team-high nine rebounds and added two blocks.

Defensively, the Lady Tigers forced 15 Southern Indiana turnovers and converted those takeaways into 17 points. Aaniya Webb led TSU with three steals as Tennessee State committed just 13 turnovers on the afternoon.

How It Happened

After trading baskets early, Tennessee State used a 5–0 run midway through the first quarter, capped by a Webb bucket, to take a 15–10 lead. Southern Indiana responded, and the Lady Tigers entered the second quarter trailing 17–15.

Tennessee State regrouped quickly, tying the game at 19 before going on an 8–0 run highlighted by a Whitfield three-pointer. The Lady Tigers carried that momentum into halftime, holding a 35–28 advantage after bench players accounted for 10 points in the second quarter.

The Lady Tigers continued to control the pace early in the third quarter, stretching the lead to 40–32 following another Webb triple. Southern Indiana answered late in the period to edge ahead 49–48 entering the fourth.

In the final quarter, Southern Indiana built a five-point lead before Tennessee State responded with a 5–0 run to knot the game at 65 with just over two minutes remaining. Despite forcing four late turnovers, the Lady Tigers were unable to capitalize fully as the Screaming Eagles closed the game on a 7–2 run to secure the win.

Game Notes

• Tennessee State connected on eight three-pointers, shooting 38.1 percent from beyond the arc.

• The Lady Tigers held Southern Indiana to 38.1 percent shooting from the field.

• TSU forced 15 turnovers and scored 17 points off those takeaways.

• Tennessee State collected 13 offensive rebounds and finished with a 12–point advantage in second-chance scoring.

• Whitfield led all Lady Tigers with 16 points.

• Roberts grabbed a team-high nine rebounds, while Wooldridge added seven boards off the bench.

Up Next

Tennessee State hits the road Thursday as the Lady Tigers travel to Edwardsville, Illinois, to take on SIUE. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m., with the game streaming on ESPN+.