TUSKEGEE, Ala. — Tuskegee Women's Basketball returns to the Daniel "Chappie" James Center this week for its first home doubleheader stretch of December as the Golden Tigers prepare to host Allen University on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Saturday matchup with defending SIAC power Benedict College on Dec. 13 at 1 p.m.
GAME INFORMATION
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 I Thursday, December 13, 2025
Tip-off: 5:30 p.m. CT I 1:00 p.m. CT
Location: Tuskegee, Ala. (Daniel "Chappie" James Center)
Watch Live: SIAC Network
Live Stats: SidearmSports (goldentigersports.com)
ABOUT TUSKEGEE (3-2, 3-1 SIAC)
Tuskegee enters the homestand undefeated at home and led by the elite one-two punch of Arianna Durrell and Shemaiah Mackin, who continue to rank among the top performers in the SIAC this season. Durrell is averaging 17.8 points per game, shooting 37.9 percent from three, and leads the team in assists at 3.2 per game according to the team's cumulative stats.
Mackin provides interior dominance at 14.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 58 percent shooting, underscored by double-figure rebounding in two games and a season-high 12 boards vs. Fort Valley State. Junior forward A'Iyonna Kimble has also emerged as an efficient contributor at 6.6 points and 5.4 rebounds, shooting 55.6 percent from the floor.
Defensively, Tuskegee forces opponents into an average of just over 21 turnovers per game and averages 10.8 steals, led by Durrell's team-high 13 steals this season. The team will also look to improve offensive efficiency after averaging 62.0 points per game while shooting 40.6 percent as a team, and they remain one of the conference's strongest teams in home environments, holding a 3-0 record inside the Chappie James Center.
ABOUT ALLEN (5-1, 5-0 SIAC)
Allen comes into Thursday's matchup riding a 5-1 start to the season and features one of the highest-scoring offenses in the SIAC at 76.3 points per game while allowing only 65.5 points per outing. The Yellow Jackets shoot just under 40 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three, and they attack the glass effectively with 43.5 rebounds per game.
Forward Peighton Jambor leads the team with 16.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 55.6 percent from the floor and nearly 90 percent from the free-throw line. Guard Morgan Smith adds 13.5 points per game and has been one of the conference's most efficient backcourt scorers. Allen's defensive pressure is a major strength, they average 11.7 steals per game and force opponents into over 20 turnovers per contest, producing a turnover margin of +5.7, one of the best in the league.
ABOUT BENEDICT (2-3, 2-3 SIAC)
Benedict enters Saturday's matchup averaging 68.0 points per game while holding opponents to 67.6 points. The Tigers shoot 37 percent from the field and 21.5 percent from three but compensate with exceptional free-throw accuracy at 54.9 percent, one of the top marks in the SIAC. Benedict is also a dominant rebounding team, securing 47.4 rebounds per game and carrying a +6.6 rebounding margin over opponents. Their interior presence and physicality shape their style on both ends of the floor.
The Tigers are led offensively by Alaysia Nash, who averages 16.0 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 45.3 percent from the field. Aaliyah Lawrence contributes 11.6 points per game along with 6.6 rebounds in her nearly 30 minutes of play. Asiah Harris adds steady scoring at 10.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per outing.
Head Coach Chiante Wester emphasized the importance of the homestand as the program builds momentum heading into the holidays. Tuskegee's young roster has shown steady improvement from game to game, particularly in transition defense, ball movement, and second-chance scoring opportunities.
In addition to Saturday's game, the program will also welcome fans to participate in Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, encouraging supporters to come dressed in their most festive holiday attire as the Golden Tigers close out the week at home.
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.
