EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Tennessee State fell to Southern Indiana, 81–55, Thursday evening on the road despite holding the Screaming Eagles to 38.6 percent shooting from the field.

The Lady Tigers (4-20, 3-12 OVC) had two players score in double figures, led by Xai Whitfield with 16 points, five steals, and three blocks. Erin Martin added 11 points, while Aaniya Webb chipped in nine. Laila Lancaster and Kiki Roberts each pulled down a team-high eight rebounds to lead the effort on the glass.

Tennessee State was active defensively throughout the contest, forcing 16 turnovers and recording five blocks. Whitfield's three rejections paced the Lady Tigers, who also grabbed 11 offensive rebounds that led to nine second-chance points.

How It Happened
After falling behind 9–4 early in the first quarter, Tennessee State responded with a 6–0 run capped by a Whitfield basket to take a 10–9 lead with 5:28 remaining. The Lady Tigers controlled much of the opening frame and carried a 17–16 advantage into the second quarter, scoring 10 of their 17 first-quarter points in the paint.

Southern Indiana regained the lead in the second quarter and limited TSU's offensive rhythm, sending the Lady Tigers into halftime trailing 33–28.

In the third, Tennessee State kept the deficit within reach and used a 7–0 run, highlighted by a basket from Martin, to take a 37–35 lead with 6:45 remaining. The Screaming Eagles answered with a strong closing stretch in the quarter to build a 55–43 lead heading into the fourth.

Southern Indiana maintained its momentum in the final period, pulling away down the stretch. Tennessee State scored six of its 12 fourth-quarter points in the paint but was unable to cut into the margin as the Screaming Eagles secured the 81–55 decision.

Game Notes
Tennessee State held Southern Indiana to 38.6 percent shooting from the field.
The Lady Tigers forced 16 turnovers.
TSU recorded five blocked shots.
Tennessee State collected 11 offensive rebounds and scored nine second-chance points.
Xai Whitfield led the team with 16 points.
Laila Lancaster and Kiki Roberts each finished with eight rebounds.

Up Next
Tennessee State travels to Morehead, Ky., on Saturday, Feb. 14 to take on Morehead State. Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. CT (1 p.m. ET).