TUSKEGEE, Ala. — The Tuskegee women's basketball team opened SIAC Tournament play with a hard-fought 57-52 victory over Fort Valley State on Friday afternoon inside the Chappie James Center, advancing to the next round of the SIAC Basketball Championships.

In a tightly contested matchup that featured seven ties and eight lead changes, the Golden Tigers used a strong fourth quarter and interior presence to secure the five-point win in front of the home crowd.

Fort Valley State opened the game aggressively, shooting 55.6 percent in the first quarter to take a 16-15 edge after one. The Wildcats were led early by Aaniyah Allen, who attacked the paint and knocked down key free throws. Tuskegee answered in the second quarter, matching Fort Valley's energy and closing the half tied at 30-30 behind balanced scoring and improved defensive pressure.

The third quarter proved to be a defensive battle. Tuskegee held Fort Valley State to just nine points in the frame but managed only eight of its own as both teams struggled from the field. The Wildcats carried a slim 38-38 tie into the final quarter before the Golden Tigers seized control.

Tuskegee delivered its strongest stretch in the fourth, outscoring Fort Valley State 19-14. Aaliyah Duranham led the charge, finishing with a game-high 14 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double while playing 36 minutes. Arianna Durrell added 10 points and two steals, and Erin Perry provided a spark off the bench with seven points. Tuskegee's depth proved critical, as the Golden Tiger bench contributed 21 points compared to just six from Fort Valley State.

Tuskegee shot 21-for-61 (34.4 percent) from the field and 4-for-16 (25 percent) from three-point range while converting 11-for-21 from the free-throw line. The Golden Tigers controlled the glass with a 40-35 rebounding advantage, including 17 offensive boards that led to seven second-chance points. Tuskegee also scored 30 points in the paint and forced 12 Fort Valley State turnovers.

Fort Valley State was paced by Allen's 20-point performance and Kimora Wade's 17 points. The Wildcats shot 40 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three while connecting on 16-for-23 free throws. Fort Valley State generated 14 fast-break points but struggled to maintain offensive rhythm late in the fourth quarter.

Up Next
With the win, Tuskegee improves to 13-13 overall and advances in tournament play. The Golden Tigers will now turn their attention to the next round to face Clark Atlanta on Thursday, March 5, as they continue their pursuit of a SIAC Championship.
 
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.
  Read Full Article