NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Southeast Missouri Women's Basketball (3-7, 0-2 OVC) fell to Tennessee State (2-9, 1-1 OVC), 76-72, in a close contest at the Gentry Center, with the Tigers rallying for 26 points in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. The Redhawks capitalized on turnovers, scoring 18 points off Tennessee State's 20 turnovers.

First Quarter  
- Lexi McCully started strong for the Redhawks with a layup and a 3-pointer, contributing to an early 5-0 lead.  
- Tennessee State responded with Amiyah Ferguson's 3-pointer, bringing the score to 8-8.  
- Carmen Taylor extended the Redhawks' lead by scoring five consecutive points, including a 3-pointer and two free throws, pushing the score to 19-16.  
- At the end of the first quarter, Southeast Missouri State held a narrow lead over the Tigers, 22-21.

Second Quarter
- Da'Kariya Jackson opened the scoring for the Redhawks with a jumper in the paint, assisted by Raissa Nsabua.
- Tennessee State responded with a fast-break layup by Ferguson, leveling the score.
- Ainaya Williams contributed significantly for the Redhawks, scoring four points from the free-throw line and a layup.
- Erin Martin's 3-pointer in the final minute gave Tennessee State a narrow lead.
- The quarter ended with a 37–37 tie.

Third Quarter  
- Williams contributed with a block and a defensive rebound to help the Redhawks take control early in the quarter.  
- Taylor's steal led to Nsabua's fast-break free throws, pushing the visitors ahead.  
- The Redhawks extended their lead with Taylor and Jackson each hitting 3-pointers late in the quarter.  
- At the end of the third, Southeast Missouri State held a 58–50 advantage over Tennessee State.

Fourth Quarter
- The Redhawks extended their lead to 11 points early with a layup by Kearra Jones, assisted by Jackson.
- Nsabua and Taylor contributed with a combined 6 points, but Tennessee State responded with a strong shooting performance, including 4 three-pointers.
- Sadie Sanchez hit back-to-back threes to give Tennessee State a late lead, with Xai Whitfield assisting on one of them.
- The Tigers secured the win by converting four free throws in the final minutes, ending the game at 76-72.

SEMO Top Performers
Ainaya Williams  
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- 24 points  
- 10/11 free throws made  
- 3 blocks  

Carmen Taylor  
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- 13 points  
- 4 steals  
- 4 assists  

Kearra Jones  
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- 10 rebounds  
- 7 points  

Lexi McCully  
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- 12 points  
- 2 steals  

Looking ahead, the Redhawks will host William Woods on Tuesday, Dec. 30. The matchup is set for an 11 a.m. tip-off at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.