NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — In a back-and-forth contest defined by a decisive third-quarter surge, the Wright State Raiders outlasted the Tennessee State Tigers 85-80 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Friday night at the Howard Gentry Complex.

The Raiders, who evened their record at 1- improved to 1-1, while the Tigers dropped their second consecutive game to open the season at 0-2 before an announced crowd of 226.

The game turned dramatically in the third quarter. After a high-scoring first half that saw Tennessee State take a 45-39 lead into the break, the Raiders emerged from the locker room with renewed defensive intensity. They held the Tigers to just 11 points in the period while erupting for 23 of their own, completely flipping the momentum and taking a 62-56 lead into the final frame.

Wright State’s offense was fueled by a stellar performance from sophomore guard Breezie Williams. The Canton, Ohio, native poured in a game-high 27 points, showcasing her scoring prowess from all over the court. She added five rebounds, three assists and two blocks in 31 minutes of action, providing the consistent offensive threat the Raiders needed to secure the road victory.

Tennessee State was led by a formidable inside-outside duo. Guard XaiOnna Whitfield of Oxford, Alabama, paced the Tigers with 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. Forward Erin Martin from Montgomery, Alabama, recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, alongside two assists and two blocks.

The first half was a stark contrast to the third quarter, featuring eight lead changes and five ties. Tennessee State dominated the interior, finishing the game with a 40-24 advantage in points in the paint. They also capitalized on Wright State’s mistakes, scoring 17 points off turnovers compared to the Raiders’ 7. The Tigers built their halftime lead behind efficient scoring from Whitfield and Martin, seemingly seizing control of the game.

However, Wright State’s defense clamped down after halftime, disrupting the Tigers’ rhythm and sparking their own transition game. The Raiders also received key contributions up and down the roster. Lauren Scott, a guard from Worthington, Ohio, scored 11 points, while Claire Henson of Germantown, Ohio, and Rylee Sagester of West Alexandria, Ohio, each chipped in 10 points. In the post, 6-foot-3 center Chloe Chard Peloquin from Johnstown, Ohio, controlled the glass with seven rebounds and added nine points.

For Tennessee State, Somah Kamara of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, provided a spark off the bench with 12 points and five rebounds. Kiki Roberts from Fairfield, California, also reached double figures with 10 points and seven rebounds.

The fourth quarter saw Tennessee State mount a furious comeback attempt, outscoring Wright State 24-23, but the Raiders consistently answered every Tigers’ run. Key free throws down the stretch from Williams and Olivia Brown of Fishers, Indiana, who scored six points, ultimately sealed the five-point victory for Wright State.

Wright State will look to build on the win when they return home to face Wilberforce on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Tennessee State, still in search of its first victory, embarks on a challenging road trip, facing Texas Christian on the same date.