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Ruston, LA- The Lady Tigers fell short in their historic WNIT run, losing to Louisiana Tech 64-71.
In the first quarter, Texas Southern struggled to keep pace with Louisiana Tech. The Lady Tigers managed to tie the game twice, first at 2-2 with a tip-in by Treasure Thompson and again at 4-4 with a jumper by Daeja Holmes. Aylasia Fantroy briefly gave Texas Southern a 6-4 lead with a layup. However, Louisiana Tech quickly responded, and despite a layup by Nya Harmon to tie the game at 8-8, the Lady Tigers fell behind. Louisiana Tech capitalized on missed shots and turnovers, ending the quarter with an 18-8 lead.
In the second quarter, the Lady Tigers continued to struggle with offensive rebounds, allowing the Lady Techsters to extend their lead to 14 points. A timeout was called with the score at 24-10. A big three-pointer from Daeja Holmes, combined with forced turnovers and successful free throws, helped the Lady Tigers reduce the deficit to single digits before halftime. Tiana Mathis hit a three-pointer from the corner, bringing the Lady Tigers closer. They trailed the Techsters 26-31 at the half.
In the third quarter, Texas Southern came out strong, quickly closing the gap with a layup by Treasure Thompson and a three-pointer by Aylasia Fantroy, taking a brief 32-31 lead. Despite a back-and-forth battle, Louisiana Tech managed to regain and extend their lead. The Lady Tigers fought hard, with key plays including a jumper by Thompson and a fastbreak layup by Fantroy, keeping the game close at 37-38. However, missed opportunities and turnovers allowed Louisiana Tech to maintain their advantage. The Lady Tigers continued to push, with a jumper by Thompson and free throws by Daeja Holmes bringing them within striking distance. Despite their efforts, Louisiana Tech ended the quarter ahead 49-45.
In the fourth quarter, Texas Southern fought hard to close the gap against Louisiana Tech. Treasure Thompson started the quarter with a layup, and Jaida Belton made significant contributions with layups and free throws, keeping Texas Southern within striking distance. However, missed shots and turnovers allowed Louisiana Tech to maintain their advantage. Fantroy and Belton continued to push, with Fantroy scoring on a fastbreak layup and Belton adding points from the paint and free throws.
Fighting to continue making history for Texas Southern Women's basketball, Head Coach Skeete continually reminded the ladies to keep their crown on and stay disciplined as calls did not go in their favor, sending the Techsters to the free throw line and widening the gap. Despite their relentless efforts, Texas Southern couldn't overcome the deficit, concluding their historic WNIT run with a valiant effort. Stat leaders included Aylasia Fantroy with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals; Jaida Belton with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks; Daeja Holmes with 11 points and 4 assists; and Treasure Thompson with 10 points and 5 rebounds.
The Lady Tigers ended the season with a historic run, making it to the 2nd round of the WNIT. This was their first postseason appearance since 2018 and their first-ever NIT contest. They finished 3rd in the SWAC and had an impressive 11-0 run, their best start since the 1980-81 season.
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Source: https://tsusports.com/news/2025/3/2...ard-fought-battle-against-louisiana-tech.aspx