EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — Tennessee State women's basketball received a strong spark from its bench, but a decisive second quarter proved too much to overcome as the Lady Tigers fell 63–41 to SIU Edwardsville on Thursday evening at First Community Arena.
Tennessee State (3–15, 2–7 OVC) scored 20 of its 41 points from non-starters and forced 18 SIUE turnovers, but the Cougars used a 28-point second quarter to build separation and never looked back.
Brianna Wooldridge led the Lady Tigers with 10 points, five rebounds, and a team-high three steals off the bench. Amiyah Ferguson added eight points and two steals, while Laila Lancaster chipped in two points, two steals, and two blocks in reserve minutes.
Tennessee State's defense remained active throughout the contest, recording 10 steals and four blocks while turning SIUE miscues into 15 points on the offensive end.
How It Happened
Tennessee State opened the game with early energy, as Aaniya Webb knocked down a pair of three-pointers in the first quarter. However, SIUE answered with a late surge to take an 18–10 lead after one.
The Cougars took control in the second quarter, outscoring the Lady Tigers 28–7 behind efficient shooting and transition offense to build a 46–17 advantage at the break.
Both teams scored seven points in the third quarter, with Tennessee State holding SIUE to 13.3 percent shooting in the frame to keep the margin steady at 53–24 entering the fourth.
The Lady Tigers showed fight in the final period, closing the game on a 9–0 run highlighted by Wooldridge's interior scoring and defensive pressure. Tennessee State capitalized on nine SIUE turnovers in the quarter to cut into the deficit before the final horn sounded at 63–41.
Game Notes
» Tennessee State forced 18 turnovers and scored 15 points off those takeaways
» The Lady Tigers held SIUE to 40.0 percent shooting from the field
» Tennessee State's bench accounted for 20 of the team's 41 points
» Brianna Wooldridge led TSU with 10 points and three steals
» Kiki Roberts paced the Lady Tigers on the glass with a team-high six rebounds
Up Next
Tennessee State returns home to continue Ohio Valley Conference play, hosting the next matchup at the Gentry Center as the Lady Tigers look to build on their defensive effort and bench production.
