Women’s basketball falls short in 70-62 loss to Tennessee State

The Southeast Missouri State University women’s basketball team (4-17, 2-10 OVC) fell 70-62 to Tennessee State (6-16, 2-10 OVC) on Saturday afternoon at the Show Me Center.

Senior guard Lexi McCully led the Redhawks with 16 points, knocking down four three-pointers, while senior guard Skyler Barnes added 11 points and five rebounds.

Despite a strong performance at the free-throw line (81.3%) and winning the rebound battle 36-28, SEMO struggled to find consistency from the field, shooting just 33.3% and 25% from beyond the arc.

TSU came out firing, jumping to a 14-5 lead early in the first quarter. SEMO responded with a 6-0 run, fueled by a McCully three-pointer and a freshman guard Zoe Best layup, but the Tigers kept control, leading 21-13 after the first.

The Redhawks found momentum in the second quarter, trimming a 13-point deficit down to two after a steal and fast-break layup from McCully just before halftime, making it 36-32.

SEMO tied the game at 36 early in the third quarter, but TSU quickly silenced the rally with an 18-2 run, taking a 54-38 lead.

The Redhawks kept fighting, cutting the deficit to four points twice in the final quarter, but TSU held firm to secure the win.

Freshman center Ainaya Williams anchored SEMO’s defense with eight rebounds and four blocks, while freshman guard Jariyah Williamson and redshirt freshman guard Brianna Hill contributed key baskets down the stretch.

Moving forward, McCully remains confident in the team’s potential as they look to regroup.

“We’re going to watch lots of film, make it click however we can. If we don’t do anything else, we’re going to work. We haven’t been able to get it to stick yet but we trust we will find a way. We just have to put everything together at the right time,” McCully said.

SEMO now hits the road for a three-game stretch, looking to turn their efforts into results.