MACOMB, Ill. — Tennessee State women's basketball continued Ohio Valley Conference play Thursday evening, battling on the road at Western Illinois before falling 76–59 inside Western Hall.

The Lady Tigers (2–12, 1–4 OVC) received a strong interior effort from Brianna Wooldridge, who finished with six points and a game-high 12 rebounds. Aaniya Webb led TSU in scoring with 11 points, while Erin Martin added seven points and seven rebounds as Tennessee State leaned on balanced contributions throughout the lineup.

Tennessee State was active on the offensive glass, pulling down 11 offensive rebounds that led to 17 second-chance points. Wooldridge paced the effort with seven offensive boards, consistently extending possessions and creating extra opportunities.

Defensively, the Lady Tigers held Western Illinois to 39.7 percent shooting from the field and limited clean looks early, setting the tone with physicality and effort on the interior.

How It Happened

Tennessee State opened the game with confidence, jumping out to a 6–5 advantage before going on an 8–0 run midway through the first quarter. The spurt was highlighted by a three-pointer from Webb, as TSU built a 14–5 lead and controlled the pace early. The Lady Tigers finished the opening period in front, 18–15, scoring 10 of their 18 points in the paint.

Western Illinois responded in the second quarter, edging ahead before halftime as Tennessee State went into the break trailing 35–29.

After intermission, TSU continued to battle inside, scoring six of its nine third-quarter points in the paint while working to close the gap. The Lady Tigers trailed 50–38 heading into the final period.

Tennessee State showed resilience in the fourth quarter, outscoring its third-quarter output and receiving a spark from the bench. Non-starters accounted for seven points in the frame as TSU finished strong and continued to compete until the final horn.

Game Notes

• Tennessee State held Western Illinois to 39.7 percent shooting from the field
• The Lady Tigers finished with a 36–34 rebounding advantage
• TSU collected 11 offensive rebounds, leading to 17 second-chance points
• Tennessee State's bench contributed 22 points
• Aaniya Webb led TSU with 11 points
• Brianna Wooldridge recorded a game-high 12 rebounds