PULASKI, Tenn. – The UT Southern women's basketball team welcomed its first nationally ranked opponent of the season on Saturday afternoon, as the Firehawks fell to No. 6 Lindsey Wilson University, 74-52, in their home opener at the Curry Athletic Complex.
The Firehawks showed resilience throughout the first half and trailed by just seven points at intermission before the Blue Raiders used a strong third quarter to create separation.
Abbilyn Teter led UT Southern with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting while adding four rebounds and a steal. Jaelyn Faulkner contributed 10 points, while Debrionna Jones and Ramie Reid added seven points apiece.
UT Southern struck first on a basket by Lauren Smith, but Lindsey Wilson answered with an early run to claim the lead. The Firehawks remained within striking distance throughout the opening quarter, getting contributions from Teter, Jones, Faulkner, and Taya Totten, before trailing 20-14 after one period.
The Firehawks found their rhythm in the second quarter and mounted a strong comeback. Trailing by eight early in the frame, UT Southern used an 8-0 run fueled by Teter to tie the contest at 22-22 with 6:39 remaining in the half. A basket by Teter moments later brought the Firehawks even for the second time, but the Blue Raiders responded and closed the half on a late run to take a 38-31 advantage into the locker room.
Lindsey Wilson seized control in the third quarter. After UT Southern cut the deficit to seven on multiple occasions, the Blue Raiders responded with a series of transition baskets and capitalized on turnovers to build a 57-43 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The Firehawks continued to battle in the final period behind Teter's inside scoring and strong defensive effort, but Lindsey Wilson's depth and defensive pressure proved decisive. The Blue Raiders forced 15 UT Southern turnovers and turned those miscues into 20 points while extending their lead to as many as 22 before securing the victory.
Lindsey Wilson shot 46.8 percent from the floor and scored 40 points in the paint while improving to 2-1 on the season.
By the Numbers
UT Southern returns to action Monday when the Firehawks host Rust College.
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