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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee State took advantage of 23 Morehead State turnovers and outscored the Eagles 23-11 at the free throw line as the host Lady Tigers won a 82-57 decision Thursday afternoon at the Gentry Center.
TSU secured a berth in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament and improved to 12-14 overall and 8-7 in the league. MSU fell to 9-20 and 5-10 in the conference.
The hosts erased a 24-21 MSU late first-half lead and outscored the Eagles 16-4 heading into the break to lead 37-28. The Eagles managed just 27 percent (8-of-30) from the floor in the second half, and TSU outscored them 45-29.
“We fought initially and we executed very well early, but we just didn’t match them when they fought back,” Head Coach Tom Hodges said. “It’s disappointing because we didn’t match them blow-for-blow after we played well early.”
The Lady Tigers also held advantages in points in the paint (28-18) and points via turnovers (23-7). TSU went to the free throw line 26 times and hit 23.
“They are a very physical team and have an aggressive nature, but we just can’t put a team at the free throw line 26 times and expect to stay in the game,” Hodges said.
Jasmin Shuler topped the hosts with 19 points, while Kesi Hess registered 18. Simone Hopes posted a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. TSU managed a 43-34 lead in rebounding.
Junior guard Terrice Robinson scored 17 to pace the Eagles and moved her season total 501. She became just the seventh player in program history to record at least 500 points in a season. It also marked her 25th double-figure game and her 18th time leading her team in the point column. Robinson has now also hit 22 straight free throws in the last three games.
Junior guard Allie Turner totaled 12 points via four three-pointers. Sophomore guard Almesha Jones tallied 11 points and a team-high four assists.
Tennessee State finished by shooting 41 percent (27-of-66), while MSU hit 36 percent (20-of-55).
Morehead State concludes the regular season Saturday at Tennessee Tech at 6:15 p.m. ET. Live stats, audio and video links will be available through MSUEagles.com.
