BOULDER, Colo. - Despite forcing 18 turnovers, a slow start in the first quarter set the tone as Texas Southern fell 74-50 on the road at Colorado Tuesday night.
The contest started out evenly to begin the first quarter as Richelle Velez nailed 1-of-2 free throws to draw TSU within 8-7 at the 5:34 mark. The tide would turn towards Colorado immediately thereafter as TSU was outscored 15-3 the remainder of the quarter which led to a 23-10 deficit at the end of the quarter. The difference during the stretch was five turnovers by TSU in addition to 1-of-5 shooting which CU converted into nine points.
Velez opened the second quarter with a three-pointer to close within 23-13 and a free throw by Lauren Lewis cut the lead to single digits (23-14) with 8:29 remaining. TSU's defense stepped up with a turnover on the ensuing possession but they missed two opportunities to cut into CU's lead even further as both three-point attempts fell short. CU would push its lead back to 15 (29-14) but baskets by Ryann Lewis and Ciani Cryor would narrow the gap to 29-18 with 5:35 left. However, TSU would end the quarter in the same fashion as the first as they missed its next five shots along with three turnovers which allowed CU to go on a 12-2 run and post a 41-20 halftime score.
TSU would never get over the hump in the second half as Colorado would lead by as much as 28 on two occasions as the Buffs would go on to capture the second win over TSU in series history.
Velez led TSU with 15 points and four steals while Niya Mitchell grabbed 11 rebounds and scored eight points with four steals. Cryoy dished out eight assists with five steals along with six rebounds from Jekalen Jones.
TSU is back in action Saturday afternoon as they'll host Rice at 12 p.m. inside the H&PE Arena.
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Courtesy: TSU Athletics