Tennessee State Lady Tigers defeat UT Southern 86-79 in OT

^{Title image via TSU Athletics}

Courtesy of Tennessee State Athletics

79

MMA

86

Winner TSU

NASHVILLE – Eboni Williams put the Tennessee State women’s basketball team ahead for good with 4:08 to go the extra period to give the Tigers an 86-79 win over the UT Southern Firehawks at home Thursday.

The Tigers (3-7) had six players score in double figures, led by Zyion Shannon, who had 13 points and two steals. Saniah Parker tacked on 13 points and seven steals and Williams helped out with 13 points.

Led by Aaniya Webb’s four offensive rebounds, Tennessee State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 18 boards that resulted in 23 second-chance points.

The Tennessee State defense caused its share of mistakes in Thursday’s game, forcing 36 UT Southern turnovers while committing 28. Those takeaways turned into 36 points on the offensive end of the floor. Parker’s seven steals led the way individually for the Tigers.

How It Happened

Tennessee State started strong, putting together an 18-15 lead heading into the second quarter. Tennessee State did most of its first-quarter damage in the paint, scoring 14 of its 18 points close to the basket.

UT Southern rallied to take a 30-27 lead before Tennessee State went on a 6-0 run starting at the 4:47 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Webb, to take a 33-30 lead. The Tigers proceeded to tack on six points to that lead and enjoyed a 45-36 advantage heading into halftime. Tennessee State dominated in the paint, scoring 14 of its 27 points close to the basket.

After intermission, Tennessee State held on to its advantage and owned a 58-51 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Tennessee State played well near the basket, scoring 12 of its 13 points in the paint.

Tennessee State then surrendered that advantage as UT Southern forced overtime by tying things up at 71-71 by the end of the fourth. Tennessee State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 13 points in the paint.

Tennessee State started overtime with a bang, going on a 6-0 run, finished off by Sanaa’ St. Andre’s jumper, to seize a 77-71 lead with 3:17 to go in the period. The Tigers kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 86-79 win.

Game Notes

» Tennessee State never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» The Tennessee State bench came alive by scoring 27 points to its scoring output.
» Every Tennessee State starter scored in double figures.
» Six Tennessee State players scored 10 or more points.
» The Tigers turned 36 turnovers into 36 points on the offensive end.
» Saniah Parker swiped seven steals for the Tigers in the game.
» The Tennessee State defense forced 36 turnovers.
» Tennessee State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 18 offensive boards in the game.
» Zyion Shannon and Saniah Parker led the Tigers with 13 points each.
» Tennessee State got a team-high eight rebounds from Jordan Aikens.

Next Up

The Lady Tigers will be back in action on December 28 as they will host UT Martin to open OVC play.