NORFOLK, Va. – Freshman LaKiara Alexander delivered a career-high 22 points and 14 rebounds for her second double-double of the season as Tennessee State women's basketball battled Old Dominion throughout the afternoon before falling 88-78 Sunday at Chartway Arena.
The Tigers (1-2) turned in their highest-scoring performance against a Division I opponent this season, placing four players in double figures while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from beyond the arc. Tennessee State erupted for 31 points in the third quarter, shooting 70.6 percent from the floor during the period to remain within striking distance of the unbeaten Monarchs (3-0).
Alexander led Tennessee State with 22 points on 10-of-14 shooting, adding a game-high 14 rebounds, including six offensive boards. The freshman has now recorded double-doubles in two of her first three collegiate contests and has reached double figures in rebounding in all three games.
Sophomore Nandinkhusel Nyamjav added a career-high 18 points, shooting 5-of-7 from the field and a perfect 2-of-2 from 3-point range while collecting six rebounds. Junior Raegan Starks delivered her best performance in a Tennessee State uniform, finishing with 14 points and eight rebounds, connecting on two 3-pointers.
Junior Somah Kamara rounded out the Tigers' double-figure scorers with 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. Freshman Sherry Zheng orchestrated the offense with a career-high nine assists while contributing eight points.
First Quarter: Tigers Erase Early Deficit
Old Dominion opened the contest with a 12-3 advantage before Tennessee State settled into its offensive rhythm.
Alexander sparked the Tigers with a pair of baskets, while Starks contributed six first-quarter points to help close the gap. A 3-pointer from Melton with 1:16 remaining pulled Tennessee State within three at 17-14.
Nyamjav followed with two free throws before Alexander scored on a putback with four seconds remaining, completing the Tigers' comeback and sending the teams into the second quarter tied at 18.
Second Quarter: Tennessee State Takes the Lead
Tennessee State carried its momentum into the second quarter as Alexander opened the period with a jumper to give the Tigers their first lead of the afternoon.
Starks followed with another basket, extending the advantage to 22-18 with 8:36 remaining.
After Old Dominion regained the lead, Alexander continued to produce inside, scoring four consecutive Tennessee State points to tie the contest at 26.
Kamara later connected on a 3-pointer off an assist from Zheng, evening the score at 29 with 2:58 remaining.
The Monarchs closed the half with four unanswered points to take a 33-29 advantage into the locker room.
Third Quarter: Tigers Explode for 31 Points
Tennessee State delivered its most productive offensive quarter of the young season after halftime, scoring 31 points on 12-of-17 shooting.
Alexander opened the second half with another basket before Kamara and Starks contributed consecutive field goals to pull the Tigers within three.
A jumper from Alexander cut the deficit to 38-37 with 7:51 remaining, and Zheng followed with a layup to keep Tennessee State within one at 40-39.
Old Dominion responded with a perimeter shooting surge, but the Tigers refused to let the game slip away.
Nyamjav connected on a 3-pointer and added a pair of baskets, while Kamara contributed five points during a late-quarter push.
With less than two minutes remaining, Nyamjav converted a three-point play to bring Tennessee State within two at 59-57.
Starks then buried a 3-pointer with 24 seconds remaining, trimming the Monarchs' advantage to 61-60.
Old Dominion added a free throw in the closing seconds to carry a narrow 62-60 lead into the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Tigers Continue to Challenge
Old Dominion opened the final period with seven of the first eight points, but Tennessee State continued to answer.
Zheng knocked down a jumper, and Nyamjav connected on another 3-pointer to keep the Tigers within six.
Alexander scored off an offensive rebound with 5:04 remaining before Nyamjav added a layup and a free throw, cutting the deficit to 76-74 with 4:04 left.
The Tigers continued to battle, with Alexander converting two free throws to make it a three-point game at 79-76 with 2:50 remaining.
Old Dominion answered with three consecutive points before Kamara scored inside with 57 seconds left. The Monarchs converted late free throws to secure the 88-78 decision.
By the Numbers
Tennessee State finished 30-of-64 from the field (46.9 percent), including 6-of-15 from 3-point range (40.0 percent).
The Tigers recorded 16 assists on 30 made field goals and received 40 points from their bench, highlighted by Alexander's 22 and Nyamjav's 18.
Tennessee State also collected 12 offensive rebounds, producing 16 second-chance points, and scored 36 points in the paint.
Old Dominion was led by Trinity Vance with 26 points, including six 3-pointers. Riley Stack added 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Shadasia Brackens finished with 13 points and 15 rebounds.
Up Next
Tennessee State returns to Nashville for its next contest Saturday, Nov. 14, hosting Mississippi Valley State at the Gentry Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.
For more information on Tennessee State women's basketball, visit TSUTigers.com.
