The two teams exchanged the lead six times in the first half, but Tennessee State used a late run to build a halftime lead the Racers couldn’t overcome.

“(Tennessee State) went on a 9-0 run to end the first half and we missed six free throws,” Head Coach Rob Cross said. “That let it go from a one possession game to an 11-point game, and the game opened up.”

The Racers rallied in the second half but could not convert on key plays in the final minutes of the game. While the Racers shot 50 percent from the field, other aspects of the game weren’t as positive.

“You can’t shoot 56 percent from the free throw line when you are shorthanded, and you can’t give up 19 offensive rebounds,” Cross said.

Senior forward Jessica Winfrey said the poor free throw shooting was due to mental problems, not the long break between games.

“It seemed to be a mental thing and we just couldn’t hit (free throws) when we needed to,” Winfrey said.

While this season has not measured up to what the lone senior had planned, she said she is still trying to keep the team positive as the season continues.

“As a team we have to accept things and keep being positive and play hard,” Winfrey said. “I try to tell them that things will be OK and everything happens for a reason.”

The Racers now return home for a key stretch of games that will test the team.

While the Racers are 1-9 in conference play, Cross said he believes his team still has an opportunity to make the conference tournament if the Racers can end the streak Saturday.

“If we win all our home games and then split on the road, then maybe we could get there,” Cross said.

The Racers look to end the streak when they host Eastern Illinois at 5:15 p.m. Saturday.

Story by Tom Via, Staff writer