NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee State led at halftime but couldn't hold off a late push, falling 60–54 to Little Rock Thursday evening at the Gentry Center.

The Lady Tigers (3–17, 2–9 OVC) carried a 28–22 advantage into the break before the Trojans used a strong second half to secure the road win.

Xai Whitfield paced Tennessee State with 15 points and five assists, knocking down three three-pointers while directing the offense. Somah Kamara provided a spark off the bench with 13 points and three steals, while Genesis Harris chipped in eight points on a pair of triples. Aaniya Webb added eight points and eight rebounds, and Erin Martin contributed four points, seven boards, and a team-high four blocks. Brianna Wooldridge anchored the glass with a game-high 11 rebounds to go along with four points off the bench. 

Tennessee State controlled the boards, out-rebounding Little Rock 50–45, including 21 offensive rebounds that helped generate seven second-chance points. Defensively, the Lady Tigers forced 18 turnovers and turned those into 14 points, while also recording nine steals and four blocks on the night. The bench accounted for 17 points, highlighted by Kamara's double-digit effort.

How it happened

After falling behind early, Tennessee State used a 7–0 run late in the first quarter to take a 12–9 lead and carried momentum into the second period. The Lady Tigers stretched the advantage to as many as 11 in the quarter behind three three-pointers and strong interior play, heading into halftime up 28–22.

Little Rock responded after the break, outscoring TSU 21–12 in the third quarter to take a 43–40 edge entering the final frame. Tennessee State battled back within three midway through the fourth following a Kamara layup, but the Trojans answered with timely baskets down the stretch to hold on for the 60–54 final.

Game Notes

» Xai Whitfield led Tennessee State with 15 points and five assists.
» Somah Kamara scored 13 points off the bench and added three steals.
» Brianna Wooldridge pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds.
» The Lady Tigers forced 18 turnovers and recorded nine steals.
» Tennessee State won the rebounding battle, 50–45, including 21 offensive boards.
» Erin Martin finished with four blocks to anchor the interior defense.

Up Next

Tennessee State returns to the Gentry Center on Monday, Feb. 2, as the Lady Tigers host Tennessee Tech in Ohio Valley Conference action. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. in Nashville.