TSU Lady Tigers win exhibition vs. North Alabama

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  The Tennessee State Lady Tigers defeated North Alabama 69-58 in exhibition action at the Gentry Center on Thursday night.

Senior Destiney Gaston led TSU with 13 points in 22 minutes off the bench, while the Tigers shot 13-for-34 from the field in each half.

With the game tied at 10 with 13:06 left in the first half, TSU went on a 13-4 run over the next six minutes and didn't look back. It was triggered on the defensive end by a Gaston steal, one of eight that TSU had in the first half and 12 in the game. Over the next three possessions, Gaston or Alana Morris would either score or assist. Morris led all players with seven assists.

The Tigers held a 36-24 halftime lead and would maintain the double digit advantage for much of the second half leading by as much as 16.

The Lions would cut the TSU lead to nine with 7:34 remaining, but Kesi Hess answered with a three to put the Tigers back up by 12.

North Alabama would not go away as a 7-2 run closed the gap to 62-56 with just over two minutes left.

The Tigers would finish strong after going five straight possessions without scoring, TSU ended the game with points on its final four possession to win by the final 69-58 margin.

Simone Hopes had a team best eight rebounds for TSU, while Mekena Randle of UNA also had eight boards.

Avery Jones and Jasmin Shuler joined Gaston as Tigers with double digit points as Jones had 12 and Shuler added 10.

Sarah Bailey was the top scorer for the Lions with 13 points followed by Abby Andrews and Corinne White with 10 apiece.
 

The Lady Tigers begin the regular season on Friday, Nov. 9 when they face Cumberland at the Genry Center. Tip-off is slated for is 7 p.m.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION