Women’s Basketball Tops The Century Mark In Home Win Over Mississippi Valley State

The Texas Southern Lady Tigers rebounded from a tough home opener in a big way with three players recording double-doubles as they handled Mississippi Valley State 100-66 on Monday evening.

The home team wasted little time in seizing control of the game from the start even though they were down to only seven available players once again. The Lady Tigers were ahead for virtually the entire game save for 2:01, which happened early on in the initial quarter.  Contrary to their previous game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, which saw them work from behind, TSU had little trouble repelling MVSU, a team they had bested eight consecutive times dating back to February 2017. This was kick started by a 10-0 run at the 4:53 mark in the opening quarter, at which TSU banked in four made 3-point field goals.

The same string of events happened in the second quarter where the team bumped their lead to as much as 21 points (40-19) at the 3:27 mark. However, MVSU wouldn’t go away quietly as they cut the deficit to 15 entering halftime. 

MVSU opened the second half the same way it closed as they went on a 14-4 run between the second and third quarters as the margin decreased to 47-39 with 6:31 remaining. By the end of the third quarter, TSU would regain its momentum as they closed out the quarter ahead 71-50 behind the strength of 20 points scored in the paint which fueled a 24-11 surge.

The home team grew their lead once again in the fourth quarter to put the game well out of reach for good. Propped by their shooting, which never steered below 44 percent  in each quarter, TSU hit the 100-point mark for the first time this season. It was also the first time since Jan. 6, 2020 that the team reached the 100-point barrier.

Freshman Alisa Knight led the team which featured a quartet of players with double figures against MVSU. Knight scored 26 points with 10 rebounds while Ataiya Bridges and Shalexxus Aaron enjoyed similar exemplary performances as they scored 22 and 25 points, respectively. Bridges also dished out 10 assists while Aaron grabbed 10 boards. Fresh off scoring 35 against UAPB on Saturday, Andriana Avent scored 12 points and garnered six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

The Lady Tigers will hit the road and travel to Mississippi where they will take on Alcorn State for their next game on Saturday, Jan. 15. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.