Rock Hill, SC- Four Golden Tigers finished in double figures, led by Ashiala Jackson. Jackson Tuskegee University (11-8 SIAC)  to victory with a 21 point performance against Albany State (4-14) in the first round of the 2020 SIAC Basketball Championship Tournament.

The Golden Tigers got off to a 7-2 lead over the Golden Rams, led by Shelle Daniels. Daniels finished with her second double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds. She also shot 66.6 (6-of-9) percent from the floor. 

Albany State Guard Alexandria James gave the Golden Rams their only lead of the contest with a jumpshot to make the score 9-7 with 5:38 in the first quarter. James led all scorers with 23 points. 

Normesha Pitts made the go ahead jumper to give the Golden Tigers their biggest lead of the contest 35-21 with three minutes remaining in the half. Tuskegee outscored Albany State 35- 27 in the first half. 

Pitts finished the afternoon with 12 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

Tuskegee came out in the second half, extending their lead 42-31 after a layup by Jackson. Jackson shot 58 (7-for-12) percent in the contest, finishing with five rebounds and five steals.

Albany State was able to trim the lead to five by the end of the third quarter to make the score 53-48, outscoring Tuskegee 21-18. 

The fourth quarter saw Albany State come within three points 53-50 but the Golden Tigers subdued the Golden Rams to obtain their first tournament victory 74-66.

India Blakey finished with 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists to aid in Tuskegee's victory. 

The Golden Rams shot 45 (27-60) percent from the floor while the Golden Tigers shot 44.8 (26-58) percent. Tuskegee won the battle of the rebounds, out-rebounding Albany State 42-22. 

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