Tennessee State Lady Tigers come up short in OT against Western Illinois, 79-71

^{title image via Tennessee State Athletics}

71

TSU

79

Winner WIU

MACOMB, ILL. — Eboni Williams hit a game-tying shot with 35 seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime, but the Tennessee State women’s basketball team was outscored 13-5 in the extra period and fell 79-71 to Western Illinois on the road Saturday.

The Tigers (5-12, 2-5) had four players score in double figures, led by Sanaa’ St. Andre, who had 18 points and two steals. Saniah Parkeradded 13 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks and Zyion Shannon helped out with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals off the bench.

Led by St. Andre’s three offensive rebounds, Tennessee State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 17 boards that resulted in 13 second chance points.

The Tennessee State defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Saturday’s game, forcing 22 Western Illinois turnovers while committing 15. Those takeaways turned into 20 points on the other end of the floor. Parker’s three steals led the way individually for the Tigers.

How It Happened

After playing to an 8-8 tie early in the game, Tennessee State went on a 5-0 run with 4:37 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Aaniya Webb, to take a 13-8 lead. The Tigers then maintained that lead and entered the quarter break with an 18-13 advantage. Tennessee State capitalized on four Western Illinois turnovers in the period, turning them into five points on the other end of the floor.

Western Illinois rallied to take a 29-28 lead before Tennessee State went on a 6-0 run starting at the 1:25 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Shannon, to take a 34-29 lead, a score that would hold until halftime. Tennessee State dominated in the paint, scoring eight of its 16 points close to the basket.

Western Illinois then took a 42-38 lead following intermission before Tennessee State went on an 8-0 run, punctuated by a basket from St. Andre, to grab a 46-42 lead with 2:54 to go in the third. The Tigers held onto that lead for the rest of the frame and entered the fourth quarter with a 52-48 edge. Tennessee State took advantage of four Western Illinois turnovers in the quarter, scoring six points off of takeaways.

Tennessee State then surrendered that advantage as Western Illinois forced overtime by tying things up at 66-66 by the end of the fourth. Tennessee State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 14 points in the paint.

Western Illinois then took control in overtime and won 79-71.

Game Notes

» The Tigers held the Leathernecks to only 40 percent shooting from the field.
» Tennessee State recorded 15 total assists in the game.
» The Tennessee State bench made an impact by adding 25 points to its scoring output.
» Zyion Shannon and Aaniya Webb came off the bench to score 10 points apiece.
» The Tennessee State defense forced 22 turnovers.
» Tennessee State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 17 offensive boards in the game.
» Sanaa’ St. Andre led the Tigers with 18 points.
» Tennessee State got a team-high seven rebounds from Saniah Parker.

Next Game:
at Eastern Illinois
1/27/2024 | 1:00 PM
WNSR

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