TUSKEGEE, Ala. — Tuskegee Women's Basketball returned to the Daniel "Chappie" James Center on Thursday night and delivered a strong all-around performance to defeat Allen University, 62-50, earning an important conference win and snapping back into the win column.
The Golden Tigers controlled the game from start to finish, never trailing and leading for more than 39 minutes of action.
Tuskegee opened the night with an assertive defensive tone, holding Allen to just four points in the opening quarter on 14.3 percent shooting. The Golden Tigers relied on their signature inside presence early, with
Shemaiah Mackin converting second-chance opportunities and dominating the paint to help Tuskegee establish an 11-4 lead after the first period.
The defensive effort set the stage for a decisive second quarter, where a 12-0 run midway through the frame pushed the Golden Tigers ahead by double digits.
Arianna Durrell and
Brooklyn McKinley fueled the burst, combining for timely perimeter scoring, while Tuskegee forced multiple turnovers that led to transition baskets.
By halftime, the Golden Tigers held a commanding 30-15 advantage, backed by 53.3 percent shooting in the second quarter and a +5 rebounding edge in the half.
Tuskegee continued to extend its lead in the third quarter, with Mackin and Durrell again spearheading the offense. Mackin controlled the interior, scoring efficiently on putbacks and contested finishes, while Durrell connected on a series of drives and rhythm jumpers.
A three-pointer from McKinley at the 5:55 mark stretched the margin to 39-15, Tuskegee's largest lead of the night. Though Allen responded with a small run near the end of the quarter, the Golden Tigers carried a 48-29 lead into the final frame and maintained full control.
In the fourth quarter, Tuskegee balanced clock management with continued offensive pressure.
Kae'la Mitchell opened the period with a three-pointer, and Mackin added another strong finish inside to preserve the advantage.
Durrell's late pull-up jumper pushed her past the 20-point mark, capping a standout performance. Allen closed the game on a brief 8-0 run in the final minute, but the Golden Tigers' lead was never in jeopardy as they secured the 62-50 victory.
Mackin finished with a dominant double-double, totaling 17 points and 15 rebounds while shooting 8-for-11 from the field. Durrell matched her with 21 points, including three three-pointers, and added six assists and five rebounds in an all-around standout showing.
Brooklyn McKinley provided 13 points and two steals, hitting three three-pointers, while Mitchell chipped in six points and five assists.
As a team, Tuskegee shot 41.7 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from three, while holding Allen to 36.5 percent overall and 27.8 percent from beyond the arc. The Golden Tigers also dominated the glass with a 43-31 rebounding advantage and converted 17 second-chance points on 19 offensive boards.
Allen was led by Destini Gooddine with nine points off the bench, while Eboni Clay added 14 points and Peighton Jambor chipped in four points and four rebounds. However, Tuskegee's defensive pressure, including 10 steals and a +9 turnover margin, kept the Yellow Jackets from gaining traction offensively.
With the win, Tuskegee improves to 4-2 overall and 4-1 in SIAC play. The Golden Tigers return to the James Center on Saturday to host Benedict on Saturday as they look to build on Thursday's momentum during their December homestand.
