TUSKEGEE, Ala. — The Tuskegee women's basketball team opens postseason play Friday, February 28 at 1 p.m. inside the Chappie James Center as the Golden Tigers host Fort Valley State in the first round of the 2026 SIAC Women's Basketball Tournament.

Tuskegee enters tournament play at 12–13 overall and 12–12 in SIAC competition. The Golden Tigers averaged 56.6 points per game this season while allowing 56.8 points per contest, finishing with a narrow scoring margin of -0.2.

Tuskegee shot 36.5 percent from the field and 26.5 percent from three-point range while converting 69.5 percent from the free throw line. On the glass, the Golden Tigers averaged 38.1 rebounds per game and held a +1.6 rebounding margin over opponents.

Defensively, Tuskegee recorded 240 steals and 70 blocks on the season while allowing opponents to shoot 35.5 percent from the field.

Arianna Durrell has led Tuskegee offensively, averaging 13.9 points per game with 348 total points while adding 82 rebounds and 61 assists.

Tenea Robinson has provided consistent production with 11.6 points per contest and 58 total rebounds, while Shemaiah Mackin has anchored the interior with 9.1 points per game and a team-best 232 total rebounds, averaging 9.3 boards per contest. Mackin has been especially impactful defensively, contributing 41 steals and 20 blocks.

Fort Valley State enters the matchup at 6–20 overall and 6–18 in conference play. The Wildcats averaged 58.4 points per game while allowing 66.8 points per contest this season. They shot 36.2 percent from the field and 23.0 percent from three-point range while averaging 38.1 rebounds per game.

Fort Valley State has generated defensive pressure with 284 steals on the year but has struggled with ball security, committing 23.7 turnovers per contest.

Friday's matchup will feature two teams with similar scoring outputs but different statistical strengths. Tuskegee's rebounding advantage and interior presence have been key throughout the season, while Fort Valley State will look to create tempo through defensive pressure and transition opportunities.

The winner will advance to face No. 2 seed Clark Atlanta on March 5 at 11 a.m. ET at the Clayton County Convention Center as tournament play shifts to a neutral site. With postseason stakes on the line, the Golden Tigers will look to defend their home floor and carry their balanced attack into SIAC tournament competition.

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