LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock turned in one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday afternoon, rolling past Tennessee State 76–39 at the Jack Stephens Center to improve to 7–7 overall and 3–1 in Ohio Valley Conference play. The Trojans have now won three in a row.
Little Rock controlled the game on both ends, scoring 42 points in the paint while forcing turnovers that led to 21 points. Little Rock's defense was especially stifling after halftime, holding Tennessee State to just eight points in the second half.
"We knew what they were doing offensively with the on-ball screens, and we defended it," Little Rock head coach Steve Wiedower said. "We made some steals in the second half, converted them into easy baskets, and started rolling."
Little Rock blew the game open in the third quarter, outscoring Tennessee State 20–8. Jordan Holman controlled the paint throughout the period, finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Mya Cotto and Destinee Salgado added timely baskets to extend the margin. Alaina Payne orchestrated the offense and cleaned the glass as Tennessee State struggled to generate consistent looks, committing multiple turnovers and missing several open shots.
The Trojans put the finishing touches on the win in the fourth quarter, holding the Tigers to just four points. Brenna Burk knocked down a three-pointer, Salgado added a tip-in, and Lidia Belmonte Hurtado capped the scoring with a fast-break layup. Little Rock allowed only two field goals in the final period, closing out a dominant 37-point victory. Every available Trojan saw action and scored.
"It was nice to get everybody in the game—those players work just as hard as the others," Wiedower said. "We may need some of those players down the stretch, too. That's how you build confidence, when you get in the game and find a rhythm."
Jarahle Daniels finished with 13 points and three steals, while Cotto matched her with 13 points and added three steals of her own.
"I've just been working hard every day and getting more comfortable in the offense," Daniels said after logging 15 minutes. "It feels good to contribute, and we have more players stepping up now."
Salgado chipped in 11 points and seven rebounds, and Pearson McVay contributed seven boards and a block as Little Rock continued to showcase its depth.
Tennessee State opened the game with back-to-back baskets, but Little Rock answered quickly. Payne sparked the Trojans early with a layup off an assist from Cotto, and Salgado followed with a three-point play to give Little Rock its first lead. Holman added a late basket to tie the game before Daniels scored with six seconds remaining, sending the Trojans into the first break with a 15–13 advantage.
Little Rock began to separate in the second quarter with a decisive run. Cotto ignited the stretch with a three-pointer and a layup, while Holman continued to assert herself inside with a tip-in midway through the period. Daniels closed the half with a strong finish and a free throw, helping the Trojans take firm control heading into halftime.
Little Rock returns to action Thursday, traveling to SIUE for a 5 p.m. tipoff in Edwardsville, Illinois.
"We're going to do just like we did Thursday when we won," Wiedower said. "We'll enjoy it, but now we're going on the road. You want to protect your home, but you have to win some road games, too, so we'll get back to work Monday and get ready to go."
