Ft. Valley State down Tuskegee’s Tigerettes 53-46

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The Tuskegee University women’s basketball team had their two-game winning streak snapped Thursday night as they fell 53-46 to Fort Valley State in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play at Chappie James Arena.

Rachel Brownlee scored in double figures the 19th consecutive time, and for the 21st time in 22 games as she went for 21 points. She finished the night 7-of-17 from the floor and 2-for-2 from beyond the arc. She was the lone player in double figures for Tuskegee (5-17, 4-10 SIAC), who played without second-leading scorer Aryana Jackson who missed the game due to illness.

Tuskegee finished the night shooting 32.6 (15-of-46) percent shooting from the floor and 25 (4-of-16) percent from beyond the arc. They also shot 60 (12-of-20) percent from the free throw line, while forcing 14 turnovers.

Brittnee Hazel led Fort Valley State (9-14, 8-6 SIAC) with 15 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, while Daknequa White added 12 points in the win.

The Lady Wildcats finished the night shooting 32.7 (18-of-55) from the floor and 21.7 (5-of-23) percent from beyond the arc. They also shot 66.7 (21-of-18) percent from the free throw line, while winning the rebounding battle 40-36.

Tuskegee held the lead for the entire first half, and extended the first quarter lead to 17-9 with just two seconds remaining as Brownlee drained a short jumper. The Tigerettes continued on an 8-2 run when Cheyanne Williams drained a layup with 8:30 to play in the half, followed by another Brownlee lay-up with 7:43 to play in the half – extending the lead to 21-9.

The lead stayed in double digits until halftime as the Tigerettes were able to drain key free throws down the stretch.

However, Fort Valley State came out in the second half and went on a 16-4 run over the first five minutes of the third quarter to take the first lead of the game at 34-33 on a White three-pointer.  After Tuskegee was able to put an end to the run and take a 35-34 lead, Fort Valley State scored five points in the final seconds to take a 39-37 lead.

Tuskegee was able to tie the score at 42-all in the fourth quarter on a Jesslyn Mahone three-pointer from the corner, before Fort Valley State went on a 9-2 run to extend the lead to seven and the final score.

The Tigerettes return to action Saturday afternoon against Albany State at Chappie James Arena. The game is scheduled to tip at 1 pm.