title image TSU Basketball
Courtesy of Ella Clark, Coordinator – Communications & Creative Content
64
Winner W&M
53
TSU
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W&M | 11 | 8 | 24 | 21 | 64 |
| TSU | 6 | 18 | 19 | 10 | 53 |
The Tennessee State women’s basketball team turned in another strong defensive effort on Saturday, holding William & Mary to just 11.8 percent from three (2-for-17) and 35.6 percent shooting overall, but fell 64–53 to the Tribe inside the Gentry Center.
The Lady Tigers (1–6) were led by Kaliyah Montoya, who posted 14 points and eight rebounds, including five on the offensive glass. Xai Whitfield added 13 points and four assists, while Somah Kamara chipped in nine points to round out TSU’s top scorers.
TSU’s activity on the offensive boards created second-chance opportunities throughout the afternoon, as the Tigers grabbed 14 offensive rebounds and turned them into seven points. Defensively, Tennessee State held William & Mary well below their season averages from the perimeter and forced tough contested looks inside.
How It Happened
Tennessee State got off to a slow start offensively and trailed 11–6 after the first quarter.
The Lady Tigers responded with their best stretch of the game to open the second period, erupting for a 12–0 run highlighted by a Kamara three to take an 18–11 lead. TSU controlled much of the quarter with solid execution and transition play, heading into halftime with a 24–19 advantage thanks to four fast-break points and continued defensive pressure.
William & Mary rallied in the third, using a late push to tie the game at 43–43 entering the final quarter. Tennessee State continued to find success around the rim in the period, scoring 10 of its 19 points in the paint while staying aggressive on the offensive glass.
Early in the fourth, the Tribe gained a brief 45–43 edge before the Tigers punched back with a 6–0 run capped by an Erin Martin layup, reclaiming a 49–45 lead with 7:41 to play. However, William & Mary responded with a strong closing stretch, outscoring TSU 19–4 the rest of the way. The Tigers continued to attack the paint late, scoring six of their 10 fourth-quarter points inside, but could not overcome the Tribe’s late-game run.
Game Notes
» The Lady Tigers held William & Mary to 35.6 percent shooting from the field.
» TSU limited the Tribe to just 12 percent (2-for-17) from three-point range.
» Tennessee State won the rebounding battle 43–33.
» TSU grabbed 14 offensive rebounds in the game.
» Kaliyah Montoya led Tennessee State with 14 points.
» Kiki Roberts collected a game-high nine rebounds.
Up Next
Tennessee State returns to action on Sunday, December 7, making a short trip across town to face Lipscomb at 1:00 p.m. in Nashville. The matchup will stream live on ESPN+, with live stats available through TSUTigers.com.
Team Statistics
| Game Stats | W&M | TSU |
|---|---|---|
| FG% | .356 | .396 |
| 3FG% | .118 | .167 |
| FT% | .833 | .520 |
| RB | 33 | 43 |
| TO | 11 | 26 |
| STL | 12 | 5 |
