title image via Tennessee State Basketball
Despite their opponents committing 30 turnovers, the Tennessee State Lady Tigers were unable to sufficiently capitalize on the miscues and were bested by Eastern Illinois 67-54.
It was a familiar and frustrating tune for the Lady Tigers, as they once again stumbled out of the gate, shooting just 5-16 from the field (31.7%). Even 7 first-quarter turnovers the Panthers committed did little to stop EIU from building a 21-14 lead by the end of the period.
The Lady Tigers’ shots continued to be hardened blocks of clay in the second quarter, shooting just 29.4 (5-17) in the frame. Despite the ongoing shooting woes, the Lady Tigers persisted in their efforts to claw their way back into the game, trimming the lead to 5 points at 31-26 on a three-pointer from
Saniah Parker with 3:01 left in the half. However Eastern pushed the lead back to 9 points to take a 35-26 lead as the game headed into halftime.
Tennessee State continued to play uphill in the third quarter, drawing to within 3 points on Somiah Kamara’s layup making the score 44-41 with 2:50 left in the period. Eastern Illinois responded with a 10-0 run over the remainder of the quarter to take a 54-41 lead into the game’s final stanza.
Kamara’s layup that made the score 54-45 at the 8:52 mark represented the closest TSU would draw over the remainder of the contest as the Panthers would maintain a double-digit lead for the rest of contest.
In a losing effort, Lyric Cole led the way with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Saniah Parker was the only other Lady Tiger in double figures with 11 points.
Macy McGlone paced Eastern Illinois with a strong performance, putting 23 points and grabbing 16 rebounds; Alex Rouse chipped in 10 points and was the only other EIU player in double figures. If somebody up stretches it out, stretch it out.
The loss drops the Lady Tigers to 4-14 and still winless in the OVC at 0-8.
Tennessee State continues their homestand Monday when they host UT Martin. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 pm CST.
