Atlanta, Georgia - The Texas Southern Women's basketball team secured a significant 69-49 victory against Prairie View A&M at the SWAC Tournament, marking their return to the tournament after a two-season absence.
The Lady Tigers won the tip-off through Jaida Belton, who scored the first two points at the free throw line. By the first media timeout, the score was 4-8. Aylasia lit up the game's first three-pointer, pushing the Lady Tigers to 11 points. Their defense was stellar, forcing the Panthers into shot clock violations on consecutive possessions. Texas Southern led by as much as 9 points in the first quarter and maintained a 7-point lead by the end of the quarter.
In the second quarter, the Panthers closed the gap, getting within 1 point. However, a crucial three-pointer from Anela Thomas near the end of the first half widened the lead, followed by another three from Courtlyn Loudermill. Deivejon Harris was fouled at the halftime buzzer and made one free throw, bringing the score to 34-26 going into the half.
The Lady Tigers came out strong in the second half, going on an 8-0 run to start the third quarter. By the first media timeout at 4:12, they had extended their lead to 22 points.
The final quarter was all about maintaining the lead for Texas Southern. The Lady Tigers executed their game plan perfectly, finishing with Aylasia scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, Courtlyn Loudermill adding 14 points, Daeja Holmes contributing 12 points, and Anela Thomas scoring 9 points. Jaida Belton and Deivejon Harris were dominant on the boards, securing 9 and 12 rebounds respectively.
During the post-game press conference, the Lady Tigers unveiled their "Doubt Us" T-shirts, sending a message to the SWAC to keep doubting them because it only pushes them harder. Coach Skeete said, "I'm just so happy for them because they trusted me and we are here!"
The Lady Tigers will take on the winner of Alabama A&M and Alcorn State on Friday, March 14 at 11:00 am.
