Women’s Basketball Falls In Non-Conference Finale To Tarleton

The Texas Southern women’s basketball team fell 52-40 in its non-conference finale against Tarleton State inside the H&PE Arena on Saturday evening.

It would be almost three minutes into competition until the first score appeared on the board as Tarleton (4-7) would get the first bucket after a layup by Faith Acker.

Texas Southern (1-10) showed face after a pair of free-throws by Anela Thomas with 5:14 remaining as they trailed 4-2.

After an exchange of points, the Texans went on an 8-0 run to close out the first quarter 14-4. The Tigers were limited to 1-of-13 shooting from the field, while the Texans were 6-of-15.

Tarleton extended the lead 18-4 opening the third quarter with a pair of layups by Acker and Jakoriah Long. TSU was able to cut the deficit to just nine points going into the half 25-16.

The Tigers won the third quarter 15-10 as they got as close as trailing 34-31 after a jumper in the paint by Nya Harmon with 26 seconds left in the third quarter. Long was able to get to the line after a foul on Harmon as she made 1-of-2 free-throws.

The Tigers could not hold on as they were outscored 17-9 in the fourth quarter on 4-of-14 shooting.

Texas Southern was led by Thomas and Maci Quiller who both registered eight points  and four boards. On the defensive end, Jaida Belton tallied three blocks, while she also added nine boards and a steal.

Acker led Tarleton with a double-double including  23 points and 12 boards.

Texas Southern is back in action on Saturday, Jan. 6  as they will have its first Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) match-up against Southern in Baton Rouge, La. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.