NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U, 60; Tennessee Southern, 69
Records: Life U, 14-10 (8-6 SSAC); Tennessee Southern, 18-4 (10-3 SSAC)
PULASKI, Tenn. — Life University's women's basketball team put together its best quarter of the afternoon in the final 10 minutes, but an early deficit proved too much to overcome as the Running Eagles fell 69–60 to Tennessee Southern on Saturday at the Curry Athletic Complex.
Life U showed resilience throughout the contest, particularly down the stretch, where the Running Eagles outscored Tennessee Southern 27–23 in the fourth quarter while shooting 62.5 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from three-point range. Despite the late surge, Life U was unable to fully erase a first-quarter gap created by Tennessee Southern's fast start.
Tennessee Southern opened the game with a strong offensive showing, taking a 22–10 lead after the first quarter. Life U continued to battle in the second period, tightening up defensively and holding the home team to 10 points, but the Running Eagles entered halftime trailing 32–20.
Coming out of the break, Life U began to find its rhythm on both ends of the floor. Kenya Robinson anchored the effort inside, recording a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while the Running Eagles steadily chipped away at the deficit throughout the third quarter.
Life U saved its most productive stretch for the final period. Tyasia Williams and Khloe Vaughn sparked the offense off the bench, combining for 19 points, with Vaughn scoring eight in the fourth quarter alone. Williams knocked down timely shots and added strong defensive pressure as the Running Eagles cut the lead to single digits late in the game.
The Running Eagles finished the afternoon with 27 bench points and a 39–34 advantage on the boards, highlighted by strong rebounding efforts from Robinson and the rest of the front-court. Defensive pressure forced key turnovers and fueled multiple fast-break opportunities during the late push.
Despite the comeback attempt, Tennessee Southern was able to close the game at the free-throw line in the final minutes. Life U will look to carry the energy and execution from the fourth quarter into its next match up.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
-- Rebounds: Life U – 39, Tennessee Southern – 34
-- Points in Paint: Life U – 26, Tennessee Southern – 46
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
-- Kenya Robinson: 11 points, 10 rebounds
-- Tyasia Williams: 11 points, 2 steals
-- Khloe Vaughn: 10 points, 4 rebounds
UP NEXT:
-- Life U is back at home in the Eagles' Nest for a contest against the Tornados of Talladega College on Wednesday, February 11th at 5:30 pm.
