PULASKI, Tenn. – In one of the most memorable afternoons in program history, Tennessee Southern women's basketball knocked off No. 1 Bethel, 84–78, Saturday afternoon inside a packed Curry Athletic Complex. The win snapped Bethel's lengthy run without a loss since falling to eventual 2024–25 NAIA national champion Dordt in last season's semifinals and marked the Firehawks' first victory over a top-ranked team in the modern era (since 2006–07).
The result also added a dramatic new chapter to a heated rivalry between two former TranSouth Athletic Conference blue bloods. Saturday's contest was the 40th all-time meeting between the programs, improving UT Southern to 13–27 against the Wildcats.
The Firehawks traded blows with the nation's top-ranked team from the opening tip. UT Southern stayed within a possession throughout the first quarter behind early buckets from Ashley Dickey and Silkiari Vazquez-Troche, with the Firehawks trailing just 27–26 after one. Bethel carried a 46–39 advantage into halftime, but UT Southern's defensive resolve kept the margin manageable despite stretches of offensive drought.
Coming out of the break, the Firehawks continued to grind defensively, forcing tough looks and limiting second chances. Ramie Reid and Lauren Smith helped steady the offense in the third quarter, keeping UT Southern within striking distance at 63–56 heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter belonged to the Firehawks.
UT Southern erupted for 28 points in the final 10 minutes, shooting nearly 77 percent from the floor in the period. Dickey ignited the run with strong finishes in the paint and a timely three-pointer, while Vazquez-Troche repeatedly attacked in transition and in half-court sets. Reid delivered key interior scores and defensive stops as the Firehawks flipped a deficit into a late lead.
Defensively, UT Southern turned up the pressure when it mattered most. The Firehawks forced critical turnovers, came up with timely steals, and closed possessions on the glass. Reid finished the afternoon with nine rebounds and two blocks, while Vazquez-Troche recorded six steals and dished out 12 assists to go with her scoring. Dickey added eight rebounds and helped seal the win at the free-throw line in the closing seconds.
Dickey led UT Southern with 24 points, Vazquez-Troche added 15 points and 12 assists, Reid chipped in 15 points and nine rebounds, and Smith contributed 11 points and eight boards. Abbilyn Teter provided a major lift off the bench, scoring nine points and knocking down 7-of-7 free throws in the final quarter to help close out the upset.
With the historic win, the Firehawks not only defended home court but also announced themselves on the national stage, delivering a rivalry victory that will be remembered for years to come.
Fresh off a historic victory, UT Southern hosts Stillman on Monday, January 5, at the Curry Athletic Complex in its next home contest.
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