TUSKEGEE, Ala. __ The Tuskegee Golden Tigers women's basketball team fought through a tough battle to secure a 62-58 win over West Alabama, improving their record to 3-2 on the season.
The game, played inside the Daniel "Chappie" James Center, saw intense back-and-forth play with both teams jockeying for control throughout. Tuskegee's ability to execute in key moments, particularly in the second half, helped them hold off West Alabama's late charge and claim the victory.
The first quarter was a highly competitive affair, with West Alabama jumping to an early seven-point lead. The Tigers shot 50 percent from the field in the opening period, including 50 percent from three-point range, taking a 20-14 lead into the second quarter.
However, Tuskegee began to settle in, limiting West Alabama's shooting and tightening their defense. The Golden Tigers responded with a 18-10 second-quarter performance, fueled by solid play from
Hilani Cantone, who scored six of her 11 points in that period.
Tuskegee took a slim 32-30 lead into halftime, after a hard-fought defensive effort and key plays in transition.
The second half saw both teams exchange leads multiple times, but Tuskegee's defense and rebounding began to wear on West Alabama. In the third quarter, Tuskegee extended their lead to 47-42, led by an active defense that forced West Alabama into several turnovers.
Tuskegee capitalized on these mistakes, scoring six points off turnovers in the third quarter alone. Cantone continued to be a driving force, scoring five points in the opening minutes of the third and grabbing key defensive rebounds.
As the game entered the fourth quarter, West Alabama mounted a serious challenge, tying the game at 53-53 with just under six minutes remaining. However, Tuskegee's composure down the stretch helped them retake the lead and hold onto it in the final moments.
Brittney Bolin, who had struggled with her shooting all game, stepped up in the fourth quarter, hitting crucial free throws. Bolin went 4-of-4 from the free-throw line in the last two minutes, extending Tuskegee's lead and staving off West Alabama's push.
Jasmine Manuel provided a crucial presence on both ends of the floor, finishing with 4 points and nine rebounds. Her defensive work, particularly in the second half, helped Tuskegee limit West Alabama's second-chance opportunities.
The Golden Tigers were also effective at the free-throw line, converting 66.7 percent of their attempts, while West Alabama struggled, making only 69.0 percent of their free-throws (20-29).
West Alabama's standout performer was Julia Rodriguez, who finished with 14 points and six rebounds, keeping her team in the game with timely scoring. Kendall Lacoste also contributed with nine points, but her efforts couldn't carry her team past Tuskegee in the end.
The Tigers' offense struggled in the second half, shooting just 31.3 percent from the field in the third quarter and 28.6 percent in the fourth, which allowed Tuskegee to stay in control.
In total, Tuskegee forced 17 turnovers, scoring 12 fast-break points, a key factor in their victory. Despite being outscored in the paint (38-26), Tuskegee's defense and ability to capitalize on West Alabama's mistakes gave them a significant edge.
Additionally, Tuskegee's bench made a major contribution, outscoring West Alabama's bench 21-14, providing depth in a game that required every player to contribute.
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