TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Voorhees University held a slim lead after three quarters, but a late surge from Huston-Tillotson handed the Tigers a 59-52 defeat in HBCU athletic conference tournament play Tuesday at Stillman College.

The Tigers led 39-37 heading into the fourth quarter and pushed that advantage to 42-37 on a layup in the paint by guard Shykiera Brown with 9:31 to play. From there, Huston-Tillotson seized control, outscoring Voorhees 22-13 in the final quarter behind timely perimeter shooting and near-perfect free-throw shooting. Huston-Tillotson finished 14-for-15 at the line, while Voorhees went 7-for-16.

Voorhees opened the game with strong energy, using early defense and rebounding to build an 8-1 lead in the first quarter, capped by a 3-pointer from Brown. The Tigers continued to control the tempo through the first half, as another 3-pointer from Kaelin Davis pushed the advantage to 21-15 midway through the second quarter. Voorhees carried a 25-21 lead into the break after holding Huston-Tillotson to just eight points in the second quarter.

Huston-Tillotson answered in the third quarter, tying the game at 26-26 on a fast-break 3-pointer from Xaria Culver and briefly seizing momentum. Voorhees responded with another push, highlighted by a driving layup from Davis that gave the Tigers a 34-28 lead with 3:37 left in the quarter. The teams traded baskets down the stretch of the period, and Voorhees entered the fourth holding a two-point edge, 39-37.

In the decisive final quarter, Brown's layup gave the Tigers a five-point cushion, but Huston-Tillotson used a 7-2 run to pull even. A jumper from Wilashia Burleson tied the game at 44-44 with 6:51 remaining, and the turning point followed when Jade Hilliary connected on a 3-pointer to put Huston-Tillotson ahead 47-44 at the 4:43 mark. Down the stretch, Voorhees was forced to foul, and guard Destiny Stanford sealed the result with two free throws in the final 20 seconds to extend the lead to 57-50.

Despite the loss, Voorhees received strong performances from its frontcourt and wings. Sommer Joseph led the Tigers with 16 points, adding five rebounds and two blocks while going 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Brown nearly posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, adding two steals and an early 3-pointer that set the tone. Davis provided key scoring bursts, including a second-quarter 3-pointer and a third-quarter and-one drive that helped the Tigers maintain their lead entering the final period.

As a team, Voorhees dominated the glass with a 50-52 rebounding edge in a physical contest, including 22 offensive rebounds that created second-chance opportunities. However, the Tigers were unable to fully capitalize, shooting 29.2 percent from the field and 14.3 percent from 3-point range. Voorhees also finished just 7-for-16 at the line, a contrast that proved pivotal against a Huston-Tillotson squad that converted 93.3 percent of its free throws.

The Tigers, who have shown the ability to build leads behind defensive pressure and rebounding throughout the season, will look to build on Tuesday's stretches of strong play as they move forward in postseason and offseason preparation. With Joseph and Brown leading the way, Voorhees demonstrated it can compete late into tournament games, and the experience in a tight, neutral-site setting is expected to benefit the program in future high-stakes contests.

About Voorhees University:  Founded in 1897 by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, Voorhees University is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the United Negro College Fund. Driven by a mission to cultivate well-rounded graduates who integrate intellect and faith, the university emphasizes lifelong learning, healthy living, societal betterment, and a strong belief in God. Voorhees University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. More details are available at the Voorhees website (www.voorhees.edu). Questions about the accreditation of Voorhees University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org)