Little Rock drops overtime decision at Tennessee State

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Little Rock women's basketball team let a double-digit lead slip away in the second half before falling in overtime at Tennessee State on Saturday, 83-78. Despite career days from Jayla Brooks and Sug Williams, the Trojans (2-11, 1-1 OVC) were unable to overcome an eye-opening 39 free throw attempts for the Tigers (4-8, 1-1 OVC).

Brooks made six three-point shots for a career-high 25 points and grabbed six rebounds. Williams had 11 points, four assists and a career-high 16 rebounds (seven offensive). Leilani Wimbish-Gay pumped in 16 points and grabbed five rebounds, Faith Lee added 13 points and Jaiyah Harris-Smith had seven points and six boards to go with 11 assists, while also committing eight turnovers.

Little Rock made a total of 11 three-pointers, the highest single-game total for the program in 13 years, when the Trojans also made 11 against Rice on Dec. 18, 2010. The six made by Brooks is the highest total for a player this season.

It was turnovers and free throws that made the biggest difference, however, with the Trojans committing a season-high 23 turnovers that led to 26 points for the Tigers, and 29 personal fouls that allowed TSU to convert 26-of-39 free throws. Wimbish-Gay, Harris-Smith, and Williams all fouled out, Brooks and Tia Harvey finished with four fouls and Lee was whistled for three. In the three periods where the Tigers outscored Little Rock – second, fourth, and overtime – TSU converted nine, eight, and six foul shots, respectively.

Little Rock led by as many as 12 late in the first quarter and went up by double digits again in the third after having their early lead completely erased to trail by a pair at halftime. The Tigers scored a combined 50 points in the second and fourth periods, and just 21 in the first and third. Caitlin Anderson led the Tigers with 17 and two others scored in double figures.

Little Rock will be back home Jan. 4 after playing six straight on the road when the Trojans host SIUE at 5 pm, followed by a home date against Eastern Illinois on Jan. 6 at 1 pm.