Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee State went on a 15-4 run over the final five minutes Friday and went on to defeat second-seeded SIUE 71-59 in the semifinals of the Ohio Valley Conference Women's Basketball Tournament.
SIUE closed out the OVC Tourney with a 19-12 record. Tennessee State, 17-12, moves on to play UT Martin in Saturday's finals.
SIUE senior Tierny Austin left everything on the court by scoring a team-high 20 points and recording her 11th career double-double. Austin shot 8 of 13 from the field.
Austin focused on defense when she reflected on her final OVC Tournament.
"I think I was consistent in trying to bringing energy to the team and trying to get everything going by being a leader on defense," said Austin.
"When you talk about the heart of a champion, it's this kid right here," added SIUE Head Coach Paula Buscher. "She is giving everything she has out there."
SIUE freshman Donshel Beck added 10 points and a game-high 12 rebounds for the Cougars. It was the first double-double for the Cougar freshman and the sixth different player this season to record a double-double this season.
"You have got to give a lot of credit to Tennessee State," said Buscher. "l thought they really stepped up and played very aggressive. We're disappointed because for some reason or another, and that's on me, we just didn't have us all on the right page. We didn't throw our best shot at it. And that is probably the most disappointing thing."
Tennessee State shot 54.3 percent (13-24) in the second half and drained 10 three-pointers en route to the victory.
Chelsea Hudson and Jayda Johnson led the Tigers with 17 points each. Briana Morrow added 11 before fouling out in the second half.
SIUE powered its way to 25 points on the offensive boards, but Tennessee State countered with 20 points off SIUE's 17 turnovers.
