NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee State women's basketball continues Ohio Valley Conference play Thursday evening as the Lady Tigers welcome Eastern Illinois to the Gentry Center Complex. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m., with the matchup serving as TSU's annual Play 4 Kay night honoring the fight against breast cancer and raising awareness for women's cancers.

Tennessee State enters the contest looking to build on its interior presence and defensive effort after a hard-fought 68–49 loss to Tennessee Tech on Monday. The Lady Tigers held a halftime lead in that matchup and controlled the glass, finishing with a 40–33 rebounding advantage while recording eight team blocks.

Xai Whitfield and Aaniya Webb led TSU with nine points apiece against the Golden Eagles, while Somah Kamara added eight off the bench. Erin Martin anchored the paint with seven rebounds and four blocks, and Brianna Wooldridge posted a game-high 10 rebounds, including five offensive boards, helping Tennessee State generate 14 second-chance points.

On the season, Tennessee State averages 57.8 points per game while emphasizing physical play on the boards, pulling down 36.1 rebounds per contest. Webb leads the Lady Tigers in scoring at 11.0 points per game, followed closely by Whitfield at 9.0 and Kamara at 7.8. Martin continues to be a defensive cornerstone, leading TSU with 103 rebounds and 22 blocks, while Wooldridge paces the team on the offensive glass.

Eastern Illinois enters Thursday's matchup holding a 37–9 advantage in the all-time series. The Panthers earned a 71–45 win earlier this season in Charleston, marking the most recent meeting between the two programs.

Tennessee State will look to translate its rebounding edge and rim protection into consistent offensive production on Thursday, while continuing to rely on bench depth that has averaged 20 points over the last outing.

Fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of Play 4 Kay as the Lady Tigers aim to defend home court and close out the homestand on a strong note.

Tip-Off: Thursday, Feb. 5 | 5 p.m.
Location: Gentry Center Complex | Nashville, Tenn.
Promotion: Play 4 Kay Night