DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The TSU women's basketball team's three-game winning streak came to an unfortunate end as Bethune-Cookman won a 71-67 back-and-forth affair Monday evening inside Moore Gymnasium.
BCU stormed out to a 13-1 lead within the first 2:33 but TSU would wake up and respond with a 9-2 run led by three points each from Alisa Knight and Shalexxus Aaron. Both teams settled down after the early runs and began a see-saw contest as BCU outscored TSU 10-7 the remainder of the way. Turnovers didn't help TSU during that span as they committed four during that span which kept BCU's offense fueled.
TSU turned the intensity up to open the second quarter with a 9-2 run led by Ataiya Bridges' five points while the defense forced four turnovers. Trailing 25-23, TSU and BCU both evened it up as the half ended as BCU claimed a 32-30 halftime lead.
BCU outscored TSU 6-2 to open the third quarter but TSU kept chipping away like an ice block as back-to-back baskets from Jada Perry and Andriana Avent gave TSU a 39-38 lead with 5:58 remaining. TSU would up the margin to 43-38 after a Perry jumper and seemed like they were ready to take control. However, the team would only hit one field goal over the final 5:03 but scored four points from the free throw line as they led 49-47 at the end of the third quarter.
Bethune-Cookman would regain a 51-49 lead with 8:50 left in the final quarter but TSU regained a 53-52 lead after two Avent free throws 30 seconds later. BCU would answer with a trey to move back on top and pushed its lead to eight (67-59) with three minutes left. TSU would come charging back and had a chance to tie late but misfired as BCU sealed the game from the free throw line.
Bridges led TSU with 23 points followed by 11 from Avent and 10 by Perry. Alisa Knight had seven rebounds, four assists and four steals.
TSU is back home on Saturday against Grambling State for a 1 p.m. start as fans are encouraged to wear maroon in addition to being treated to a host of festivities throughout the game.
