PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern women's basketball gave the Bears a late run but ended up falling 59-49 to Shawnee State on Thursday.

Rachael Baker led the Firehawks with 13 points and 10 boards in a double-double effort. Mary Mackie added 12 points. Aaryn Grace Lester came up two assists shy of a double-double with 10 points and eight assists. 

SSU started the game on fire quickly running to a 6-0 lead. The Firehawks would close the gap to trail after one 12-8. Both teams would struggle from the floor in the second stanza as the Bears would hold the 27-18.

In the second half both teams would heat up in the third period SSU would edge UTS 50% to 38% as the Bears would lead 46-33 heading into the final period. UTS would make a run in the fourth quarter and would outshoot the Bears 39% to 36%.

UTS would shoot 18 of 61 for 30% of the field. There wouldn't be any lead changes or any ties.

NEXT UP

The Firehawks continue to play at the Curry Athletic Complex on Saturday taking on the Bears of Pikeville on January 28th. Tip-off is slated for 1 p.m.

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