Tennessee State University’s women’s basketball team was defeated 67–52 by SIUE at the Gentry Center Complex on Saturday. Despite the loss, TSU showed resilience and maintained a strong presence in the paint throughout the game.
The Tigers’ bench made a notable contribution, adding 17 points to the team’s total. Kiki Roberts led Tennessee State with a double-double performance, scoring 16 points and collecting 12 rebounds, four of which were offensive. Aaniya Webb also reached double figures with 11 points. Amiyah Ferguson contributed across multiple categories, finishing with two points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
TSU worked hard on the boards, securing 12 offensive rebounds that resulted in nine second-chance points. On defense, they limited SIUE to just 32.9 percent shooting from the field and restricted Lauren Miller to five baskets out of eighteen attempts.
After trailing 21–8 at the end of the first quarter and entering halftime down by thirteen points (34–21), Tennessee State responded in the third quarter by narrowing the gap to five after a late run capped by Laila Lancaster’s basket. The Tigers scored ten of their eighteen third-quarter points inside.
In the final period, TSU continued its effort in attacking inside and managed to reduce SIUE’s lead to nine with under three minutes left following a layup from Somah Kamara. However, SIUE managed to maintain control until the end of regulation. Tennessee State ended with 28 points in the paint and added thirteen fast-break points.
Coach Candice Dupree commented on her team’s effort: “Kiki Roberts recorded a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double.”
Other notes from the game include: “TSU held SIUE to 32.9 percent shooting from the field.” The team also assisted on nearly two-thirds of its made shots: “The Tigers assisted on 63 percent of their made field goals.” Additionally: “The bench contributed 17 points,” and “TSU totaled 12 offensive rebounds.”
Looking ahead, Tennessee State will travel to Cape Girardeau, Missouri for an upcoming matchup against SEMO before concluding their regular season schedule at UT Martin.
