Women's Basketball Battles To The End Versus UCF

Four players would score in double figures as the TSU women's basketball team fought to the end in a hard-fought 83-87 loss to the Big 12's UCF on Saturday.
 
The Tigers set the tone early as Courtlyn Loudermill's five points led to an early 10-6 lead as the TSU defense forced three UCF turnovers. UCF would take advantage of its height advantage from that point as 6-8 post Hannah Gusters scored six points to spark a 15-5 run en route to a 21-15 lead at the 2:23 mark. However, TSU fought back and closed the gap to 24-22 to close out the first quarter.
 
The second quarter resembled a track meet of sorts as TSU took the baton and jumped ahead 47-40 as seven Tigers would score within the first seven-and-a-half minutes. The Knights would outscore TSU 6-3 over the final 1:06 to cut TSU's deficit to 50-46 at the half.
 
UCF's Kaitlin Peterson dominated the third quarter as she scored 17 points within the first 8:06 while TSU would only connect on three field goals as the Knights outscored TSU 26-8 during that span. UCF would close the quarter ahead 76-63.
 
UCF led by as much as 16 early in the final quarter and it appeared they were well on its way to an easy win. However, the Tigers would roll up their sleeves and kept fighting as they cut the lead to single digits and two possessions (6) after a 16-6 run over the next 7:12. TSU had chances to get even closer but unfortunately couldn't get over the hump to end the game.
 
Aylasia Fantroy led TSU with 18 points and six rebounds while Loudermill scored 16. Jaida Belton had a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds followed by 12 from Alisa Knight.
 
TSU is back in action at Rice on Friday at 11:15 a.m.