The Women’s basketball team at Tennessee State University became one of the first teams to secure qualification into the NCAA tournament.
For the first time in two decades, and for only the third time in school history, the Lady Tigers were able to win the the Ohio Valley Conference tournament and name themselves as one of the top 64 teams in the nation. In a thrilling overtime game none the less.
The Lady Tigers were able to rely on a strong defense to suppress University of Tennessee-Martin which in large part led to TSU’s two point lead going into the break. The Lady Tigers were also buoyed by a strong offensive output, shooting 40% from the field and 80% from the line in the first half.
In the second half, OVC Tournament MVP, Junior Guard Brianna Lawrence, came to life helping to carry the Lady Tigers to a win, scoring 18 of her team high 22 points after half.
Through all of this work TSU ended the second period in a 53 all deadlock after UTM didn’t get their shot off on time.
During overtime Lawrence continued her clutch play pushing the Lady Tigers’ lead to four points, which would prove to be too much for the Skyhawks to overcome.
TSU’s opponent in the NCAA Tournament will be announced on March 16th after all of the teams are selected.
