In a game featuring multiple ties and lead changes in the fourth quarter, Texas Southern squeezed out a victory over Bethune Cookman 65-64.
It was an offensive slog for much of the first half, with the teams combining to shoot just 9-of-27 from the floor and scoring 25 points. Despite the shooting inefficiency in the period, Bethune-Cookman took a 24-22 halftime lead.
The Wildcats commanded the third quarter, building as much as a ten-point lead on Kayla Clark’s layup that made the score 41-31. Although the Tigers could trim the Wildcats’ advantage in half at 45-40 via a 9-4 burst, B-CU took a 47-40 lead into the final ten minutes of play.
After Texas Southern took their first lead at 58-56 on a Tatyana Clayburne three-pointer since the first quarter, setting the stage for a frenetic final 2:26 of play.
D’Shantae Edward’s’ layup tied the game at 58. Chanel McDonald’s free throw put Bethune-Cookman back in front 59-58 at 1:31. This was followed by a Kayla White layup to push the Wildcats’ lead to 61-58 with just 1:09 remaining.
A Jordyn Turner layup and free throws put B-CU back in front at 62-61 with 28 seconds left in regulation. Clayburne’s steal of the subsequent inbounds pass led to a trip to the charity stripe for Deja Holmes; she split the free throws, pushing the Tigers’ lead to 63-61 with only 17 seconds left in the contest. Holmes was able to scoop up her miss, allowing the Tigers to call a timeout to set up a play.
D’Shantae Edwards was able to force a steal on the inbounds attempt and score. Holmes fouled her, setting up a chance for a three-point play, which Edwards converted, pushing B-CU back ahead 64-63, a mere 9 seconds from victory. Jaida Belton was fouled, sending her to the foul line with eight seconds remaining.
Belton converted both foul shots, again exchanging the lead, this time in favor of Texas Southern, 65-64.
Kayla White’s game-winning attempt did not seal the win for Texas Southern.
Jordyn Turner led Texas Southern with 19 points and 11 rebounds. She was the only Tiger in double figures.
In a losing effort, Kayla White led two Bethune players in double figures with 18 points and eight rebounds; D’Shantae Edward added 13 points.
