Lady Senators open TCCAA play with 61-59 win over Southwest Tennessee

MEMPHIS, TN – No. 18 Walters State held on late for a 61-59 win over Southwest Tennessee to open up TCCAA play on Saturday.

With the victory, the Lady Senators improved to 3-0 on the season and 1-0 in TCCAA play.

"We're grateful to come out with a road win in a very tough environment," Walters State coach Jasmin Coleman said. "We didn't handle adversity the way we needed to, but we found a way. Anaya (Mulholland-Natt) stepped up big for us and did exactly what you expect from a sophomore leader. It may not show up on the stat sheet, but she handled adversity with maturity and poise.

"Paradise Fisher was fearless tonight-she played multiple positions, grabbed timely rebounds and gave us whatever we needed." 

Leading the way for the Lady Senators in the scoring column was Terryauna Griffin with 14 points, while Raegan Starks had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Malon Smith also finished in double figures with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Other contributors for Walters State were Anaya Mulholland-Natt with 10 rebounds, Paradise Fisher with eight points and 11 rebounds, Malia Wilcox with seven points, Nyjah Gibbs with six points and Tierra Coleman with three points. 

Walters State got off to a quick start and led 19-12 after the opening quarter. In the second, the two teams each scored 15 points, and Walters State led 34-27 at the break.

Walters State matched Southwest in the third quarter, each scoring 14 points to make it 48-41. In the fourth, Southwest made a run and tied the game at 58 with 34 seconds to go. Wilcox was fouled with 24 seconds left, and she hit two free throws to give Walters State the lead back. 

Southwest answered with a free throw back to make it 60-59, but Tierra Coleman went to the line with eight seconds to go and split a pair of free throws. Southwest had one final shot, but it was off and the Lady Senators claimed a 61-59 win. 

Up Next:

Walters State will be back in action at home on Wednesday, taking on Roane State. Tip is set for 5:30 pm ET.