PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern women's basketball team opened their season with a tough task facing #20 Freed-Hardeman. The Firehawks fell 57-42 at the Curry Athletic Center on Tuesday.

Halle Jones led UT Southern (0-1) in scoring, with a double-double, 11 points and 12 rebounds. Jones dialed up three long range shots in her near career performance.

The Firehawks jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, and traded baskets with Freed-Hardeman (2-1) until The Lions would level the game at six with just over six minutes remaining. Both teams would pick up the scoring pace in the opening stanza closing with a 17-15 FHU advantage. The Lions would limit the Firehawks to two points in the second quarter holding a 33-23 lead at the half.

Both teams would set the nets ablaze in the third period, each scoring 14 points. FHU led 10 heading into the final quarter. The final period would see the visitors double up the home squad 10-5 giving the first loss of the season to the Firehawks.

NEXT UP

UT Southern will return to action on the road on November 6^th, traveling to Florence, Ala. UT Southern will take on the Lions of North Alabama in an exhibition at Flowers Hall with the tip set for 5:30 p.m.

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