NASHVILLE (November 19, 2025) – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team were defeated on the road in an 82-76 setback to Tennessee State in Nashville on Wednesday.
The Lions (3-2) suffered a narrow defeat to the Lady Tigers (1-4), who earned their first win of the season in the tight affair. In a game that had six ties and four lead changes, both teams battled for all four quarters — with Tennessee State gaining momentum first.
Despite the defeat, the Lions had a standout offensive performance from senior Alexsandra Alvarado. The Richmond, Calif. native surged to a game-high 26 points on 62.5 percent shooting, going 10-16 from the field. Alvarado finished with an additional four rebounds, two steals, one block and one assist.
Freshman Gabby Jackson proved valuable on the boards with game-high 13 rebounds. She totaled nine defensive with four offensive boards, chipping in seven points and two steals.
Senior India Howard led with three assists, and Alvarado and Jackson tied for a team-leading two steals. Alvarado, Howard, junior Katie Criswell and freshman Greta Ramon rounded out UNA's leaders with one block.
The Lady Tigers led 23-19 after a first period that was dominated by inside scoring. Tennessee State scored 12 point in the paint, but the Lions excelled in the high-percentage shots with 18 in the period. Both teams also were efficient from the field with UNA shooting 45 percent and the Lady Tigers shooting 57.1 percent.
North Alabama stepped up the offense early in quarter two, rolling to its first lead of the game at 28-27. The Lions outscored the Lady Tigers 9-4 to open the period, thanks to scores from Alvarado, Jackson and senior Alyssa Clutter. Tennessee State found its rhythm enroute to a 42-36 halftime lead, but both teams continued to compete well into the second half.
The Lions pulled closer in the third, outscoring the Lady Tigers to cut the deficit to 60-56.
Seven Lions scored in the third led by six quarter points from Alvarado. The Lady Tigers led by as many as 12 in the period, but UNA found its offensive spark en route to tying the game at the 56-point mark. Two ensuing scores from Tennessee State sent the close contest to the fourth quarter.
Two points separated the teams in the final period, but it was the hosts that fended off the rally to take the win.
North Alabama kept the score close until taking the lead back at the 70-69 mark. The teams played to a 73-73 tie when a clutch bucket from Tennessee State's Sadie Sanchez gave the Lady Tigers a 75-73 advantage with two minutes to go. The hosts held the two-point advantage until a Sanchez steal gave way to two Tennessee State free throws with 26 seconds left. The Lady Tigers would see the contest out with an 82-76 final score.
The Lions return to CB&S Bank Arena for their next outing, facing West Alabama in Florence on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
