OPENING TIP

Tennessee State women's basketball enters their final week of OVC play, as the Lady Tigers travel to take on the UT Martin Skyhawks on Saturday, Feb. 28, inside the Elam Center. Tip-off is set for 10:00 a.m. CT in Ohio Valley

Conference action.

The matchup marks the final week of games of the 2025–26 season, as Tennessee State looks to close out its home schedule on a strong note and continue building momentum in conference play. The Lady Tigers will aim to end the season on a high note.

LAST TIME OUT

Tennessee State is coming off a tough road contest against SEMO on Thursday afternoon, falling 89–52. Erin Martin paced the Lady Tigers with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Aaniya Webb added 14 points and four steals. Icesis Thomas contributed six points and a team-high five steals, helping anchor Tennessee State's defensive pressure throughout the contest.

The Lady Tigers forced 28 turnovers and remained active defensively across all four quarters. Tennessee State assisted on 67 percent of its made field goals, showing strong ball movement offensively, and continued to compete on the glass and in transition despite the road setback.

SERIES HISTORY:

Tennessee State and SEMO have met 30 times dating back to the 2007–08 season, with the all-time series now tied 15–15 following Thursday's matchup in Cape Girardeau. 

In the most recent meeting on Feb. 26, 2026, the Redhawks earned an 89–52 win. Earlier this season, however, the Lady Tigers secured a 76–72 victory in Nashville on Dec. 20, 2025, highlighting the competitive nature of the series. Tennessee State holds a 9–5 record at home in the matchup and is 6–10 on the road. The Lady Tigers have won 14 of the 28 conference meetings between the programs and own a 5-game winning streak in the series from Dec. 6, 2008 through Feb. 25, 2010 — the longest by either team.

The rivalry has featured several tight contests over the years, including an overtime battle in 2023 and a narrow 62–59 TSU victory in 2019, the smallest margin of victory in the series. Tennessee State's largest win came in a 58–35 home victory on Feb. 24, 2011.