TUSKEGEE, Ala. __ The Tuskegee Golden Tigers earned a hard-fought win at home today, defeating No. 23 Columbus State 71-66 in an intense matchup inside the Daniel "Chappie" James Center.
This victory puts the Golden Tigers at 2-2 on the season, marking a significant milestone against a ranked opponent.
The game started with both teams battling closely. Columbus State (3-2) had an early five-point lead, but Tuskegee quickly responded, maintaining a slim advantage through the first quarter.
The Golden Tigers led 18-16 at the end of the opening period, thanks to contributions from key players like Alexandria Johnson, Shemaiah Mackin, and Jasmine Manuel who scored a combined 14 points in the frame.
The second quarter saw TU begin to pull away, outscoring the Cougars 15-12. A strong defensive effort and multiple second-chance points helped Tuskegee extend their lead.
After a tight back-and-forth, a late push from Columbus State kept the game within reach, as Tuskegee led 33-31 going into halftime.
Coming out of the break, Tuskegee's defense intensified, while their offense capitalized on turnovers. The Golden Tigers went on a 11-2 run to start the second half, creating a 10-point lead with just under five minutes to go in the third quarter.
The Cougars struggled offensively, shooting only 18.2 percent from the field in the third quarter. Tuskegee extended their lead to 50-45 by the end of the third, despite a late surge from CSU.
The fourth quarter was a nail-biting affair. Columbus State made a final push, cutting the lead to just one point with under a minute remaining. However, free throws by SyAnn Holmes and Brittney Bolin, who contributed a team-high 15 points and six assists, ensured that Tuskegee held onto their lead, securing the 71-66 victory.
Johnson and Manuel also finished in double figures, both scoring season-highs. Johnson contributed 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a pair of blocks. Meanwhile, Manuel had her first double-double of the year with 12 points and 12 rebounds, along with a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line.
For Columbus State, Olonna Rawls finished with 27 points and six steals, while Letiya Reeves and Bre'Lyn Snipes also reached double figure totals with 21 and 13 points respectively. The Cougars shot just 39.6 percent from the field, and 23.8 percent from long range, struggling with their shooting throughout the game.
The Golden Tigers excelled in second-chance points, securing 18 compared to Columbus State's five, while also having a strong bench game with 18 points off the bench compared to three.
Up Next
Tuskegee will return to the court on Monday, November 25 for another non-conference home game as they host West Alabama to conclude the season series. Tip-off is set for 5:30 inside the Daniel "Chappie" James Center.
How to Follow the Golden Tigers
For complete information on Tuskegee Golden Tigers Women's Basketball, visit GoldenTigerSports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
