TSU women's basketball jumped out to a big lead at the half and used it to its advantage as they defeated Alcorn State 62-55 Monday inside the H&PE Arena.
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TSU wasted no time in setting the tone with a 10-point lead five minutes into the game as they drained three, three-pointers. Alcorn State would remain close as they cut the lead to 16-10 but Ataiya Bridges hit a jumper with six seconds left for an 18-10 first quarter lead.
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TSU opened the second half on a 19-2 run to claim a 37-12 lead at the 4:16 mark. The TSU defense kept the pressure up the entire quarter as ASU would only score six points en route to a 40-16 halftime lead.
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Fueled by eight free throws made, TSU led by as much as 30 on two occasions as the third quarter progressed. However, TSU couldn't extend the lead due to five turnovers and five missed shots as ASU outscored them 7-0 to end the quarter.
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The lead would whittle down to 18 in the final quarter as TSU would end its scoreless drought with 6:26 left after Ariana Taylor's jumper for a 58-38 lead. A jumper from Andriana Avent upped the margin to 60-38 but another scoring drought three minutes later saw ASU draw within 12 at 60-48 with 1:57 remaining. ASU would eventually trim the deficit to 62-55 late in the game but TSU's early halftime lead came in handy despite a low-scoring final quarter.
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Bridges scored 18 with seven rebounds and four assists followed by 16 from Avent. Jada Perry had nine rebounds and two blocks.
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TSU closes out the 2021-22 regular season at home against Prairie View A&M on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
