JACKSON, Miss. - In a thrilling showdown, Texas Southern fought valiantly but ultimately came up short, losing 63-60 on the road to Jackson State.
The game started with a bang as Anela Thomas opened the scoring with a smooth layup. Jaida Belton quickly made her presence known with a block and a pair of free throws, setting the tone for an intense battle. Aylasia Fantroy and Tiana Mathis were clutch from the free-throw line, helping Texas Southern take a 10-4 lead. Consistent free-throw shooting, including two by Anela Thomas, kept Texas Southern in front, ending the first quarter with a 14-10 advantage.
The second quarter was a seesaw battle. Zoe Cooper's free throw for Jackson State narrowed the gap, but Aylasia Fantroy responded with a jumper to extend the lead. Daeja Holmes nailed a three-pointer, and Courtlyn Loudermill contributed a jumper, pushing the lead to 21-16. Loudermill's free throws and layups from Fantroy and Holmes kept Texas Southern in control, leading 29-25 at halftime.
Texas Southern came out strong in the third quarter, with Courtlyn Loudermill hitting a three-pointer to make it 32-25. Despite some missed shots and turnovers, Aylasia Fantroy's layup and Anela Thomas's fastbreak layup extended the lead to 36-25. Texas Southern capitalized on Jackson State's struggles, with Fantroy and Holmes adding crucial points. The quarter ended with Texas Southern leading 46-37.
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter. Jackson State hit a jumper to narrow the gap, but Daeja Holmes responded with a layup to keep Texas Southern ahead. Jackson State fought back with free throws and jumpers, but Texas Southern's Loudermill and Thompson added key points. Despite Jackson State's relentless push, Texas Southern held a slim lead until the final minutes.
In the closing moments, Jackson State made crucial free throws, putting them ahead. Texas Southern's Treasure Thompson made a late free throw, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. Despite a valiant effort and a late steal by Thompson, Texas Southern couldn't convert, falling 63-60.
 Aylasia Fantroy ended with 12 points and 4 assists, Anela Thomas ended with 10 points and 5 rebounds, and Daeja Holmes with 9 points and 6 rebounds.
 The Lady Tigers will face the Prairie View A&M Panthers for the final conference game of the season on Saturday, March 8 at Prairie View starting at 2:30 p.m.
