PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Andriana Avent, Ataiya Bridges and Jada Perry combined for 69 points as the trio fueled a pair of 14-point runs in the third quarter during TSU's 84-67 road win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Monday.
TSU stormed out to a 9-2 lead but UAPB answered with a 14-4 run over the next 4:25 as UAPB's Zaay Green led the charge with six points. Ataiya Bridges would end the run with a layup at the 46 second mark but UAPB responded with a layup to lead 18-15. Bridges would end the quarter on a positive note with a driving layup to cut the deficit to 18-17.
It was the Bridges show once again to open the second quarter as she sparked an 11-4 run with nine points as TSU led 28-22 with 5:42 left. UAPB's Sade Henderson hit a pair of three-pointers to will UAPB back into the contest as they put together an 8-2 run which moved them ahead 32-30. Andriana Avent answered with a big three-pointer to move TSU back ahead 33-32 but UAPB's Maya Peat responded with a layup to reclaim a 34-33 lead. The lead would switch sides three times over the final 56 seconds as Avent's three-point play with eight seconds left gave TSU a 38-36 halftime lead.
TSU came out the gate clicking on all cylinders once again as they opened the third quarter with a 14-2 run as Avent and Perry combined for 12 points en route to a 52-38 lead. UAPB went on a 7-0 run to get within seven at 52-45 but the Lady Tigers held their ground and closed out the quarter on 6-of-9 shooting en route to a 14-7 run for a 66-52 lead.
UAPB opened the fourth quarter on a 7-2 run to draw within 68-59 at the 6:30 mark but TSU kept its composure and went on a 14-4 run to close out the game.
Bridges led TSU with 26 points, eight rebounds and seven assists followed by 25 points, eight rebounds and six assists from Avent. Jada Perry scored 18 and had three blocks on defense.
TSU is back inside the H&PE Arena for its final three games of the regular season as they'll host Jackson State on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
