Women's Basketball Sets Program Scoring Record in 117-56 Victory Over Mississippi Valley State

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee State women's basketball delivered a record-setting offensive performance Saturday afternoon, defeating Mississippi Valley State 117-56 at the Gentry Center to establish a program record for points scored in a game.

The Tigers (2-2) surpassed the previous school record of 116 points, set against Austin Peay on March 1, 2014, while securing their first victory over a Division I opponent this season. Tennessee State placed five players in double figures, connected on 16 3-pointers and shot 58.3% from the field in the 61-point victory.

Sophomore Somah Kamara led the offensive effort with a career-high 29 points in just 23 minutes, shooting 12-of-13 from the floor and a perfect 5-of-5 from beyond the arc. Kamara added three rebounds and three assists while missing just one field goal attempt.

LaKiara Alexander continued her strong start to the season, recording 18 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists to finish one assist shy of a triple-double. Alexander shot 9-of-13 from the field and committed no turnovers in 30 minutes.

Addison Melton added 19 points, six rebounds and four assists, connecting on 6-of-8 field goals, all three of her 3-point attempts and all four free throws. Raegan Starks contributed 11 points, eight rebounds and three steals, while Nandinkhusel Nyamjav finished with 10 points.

Tennessee State's most productive stretch came in the third quarter, when the Tigers erupted for 45 points on 80% shooting, including seven 3-pointers, to turn a 19-point halftime advantage into a 52-point lead entering the final period.

How It Happened

First Quarter: Mississippi Valley State opened the scoring, but Tennessee State quickly responded behind Alexander, who scored six of the Tigers' first 10 points. TSU established a 14-6 advantage midway through the quarter before the Devilettes trimmed the deficit to one possession.

Alexander answered with another basket, and Nyamjav connected on consecutive 3-pointers in the final 1:09 to extend Tennessee State's advantage. Jing Xuan Zheng added a layup in the closing seconds as the Tigers finished the opening period with a 24-15 lead.

Second Quarter: Tennessee State opened the second quarter with an 11-0 run, extending its advantage to 35-15. Kamara scored seven of the Tigers' first 12 points in the period, including a 3-pointer, while Genesis Harris added another shot from beyond the arc.

TSU continued to build its lead behind contributions from Starks, Melton and Alexander. Melton connected on a 3-pointer to push the advantage to 43-23 before Starks added a jumper and Kamara knocked down another triple.

The Tigers shot 62.5% from the floor and 80% from 3-point range during the quarter, outscoring Mississippi Valley State 25-15 to take a 49-30 lead into halftime.

Third Quarter: Tennessee State took complete control after halftime, producing its highest-scoring quarter of the season with 45 points.

Kamara opened the period with a 3-pointer and added another jumper before Melton connected from beyond the arc. Alexander followed with consecutive baskets as the Tigers extended their advantage to 61-33.

Kamara continued her offensive surge, scoring from inside and beyond the arc as TSU pushed its lead to 76-37 midway through the period. Alexander played a significant role in the offensive production, repeatedly finding teammates for open shots while controlling the glass.

Melton added another 3-pointer, and Starks connected from long range as the Tigers continued to pull away. Tennessee State closed the quarter with a 94-42 advantage after shooting 16-of-20 from the field and 7-of-10 from 3-point range.

Kamara scored 17 points in the third quarter alone, helping the Tigers outscore Mississippi Valley State 45-12 during the period.

Fourth Quarter: Tennessee State maintained its commanding advantage in the final period, surpassing the 100-point mark and continuing to receive contributions throughout the lineup.

Harris connected from beyond the arc before Icesis Thomas added a 3-pointer and a layup to extend the Tigers' advantage to 113-50. Danica Lazic contributed seven points in the quarter, while Thomas finished with nine points in just eight minutes of action.

The Tigers led by as many as 63 points before closing out the 117-56 victory.

By the Numbers

• 117: Points scored by Tennessee State, surpassing the previous program record of 116 against Austin Peay on March 1, 2014.

• 61: Final margin of victory, the Tigers' largest of the season.

• 45: Third-quarter points, with TSU shooting 80% from the field during the period.

• 29: Career-high points for Kamara, who finished 12-of-13 from the field and 5-of-5 from 3-point range.

• 18-12-9: Points, rebounds and assists for Alexander, who narrowly missed a triple-double.

• 16: Made 3-pointers on 24 attempts, matching the Tigers' season high.

• 29: Assists on 42 made field goals.

Up Next

Tennessee State returns to the road Tuesday, Nov. 17, traveling to Louisville, Ky., to face Louisville. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT at the KFC Yum! Center.