Philander Smith Surges in Fourth Quarter to Overcome Tougaloo College

Mims Gym, November 20, 2025 — In a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer, Philander Smith University mounted a dramatic fourth-quarter rally to defeat Tougaloo College 61-56, securing a hard-fought victory at Mims Gym.

The game, which saw both teams battle through fluctuating momentum, was ultimately decided in the final 10 minutes, as Philander Smith outscored Tougaloo 28-15 in the fourth quarter to erase a seven-point halftime deficit. The dynamic performance from the Lady Panthers was fueled by standout individual efforts and a relentless team defense.

Early Dominance and Defensive Adjustments

Philander Smith began the game with an offensive flurry, leading 16-12 at the end of the first quarter. The team's offensive strategy, led by point guard Miracle Thomas, was sharp and efficient, with Thomas contributing several key assists and scoring five points in the opening period. However, Tougaloo College came alive in the second quarter, adjusting its defensive schemes to stymie Philander Smith's scoring.

The Lady Bulldogs' defense, which had been somewhat porous in the first quarter, tightened significantly, holding Philander Smith to just six points in the second frame. This allowed Tougaloo to take a 29-22 lead into halftime, with star guard Shalaye Morgan playing a pivotal role in the surge. Morgan scored 14 of her 28 points in the first half and went a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line throughout the game, demonstrating her skill and composure under pressure.

A Fourth-Quarter Frenzy

Despite facing a deficit, Philander Smith came out of the locker room with a newfound intensity in the second half. The turning point arrived in the fourth quarter, where a combination of stifling defense and timely scoring lifted the Lady Panthers. Miracle Thomas, who had been steady throughout, turned up the heat defensively, recording multiple steals and leading fast-break opportunities. Thomas finished with 17 points, 7 steals, and 5 assists, showcasing her all-around game and leadership.

Samya Johnson also came up huge for Philander Smith, scoring 17 points and finishing with an impressive 83% free-throw percentage. Her clutch shooting, particularly from the charity stripe, helped the Lady Panthers stay within striking distance before their explosive final push.

The Lady Panthers' defense was equally critical in the win, forcing 17 turnovers and capitalizing on Tougaloo's mistakes. Philander Smith's fast break points and second-chance opportunities became decisive, with the Lady Panthers outscoring Tougaloo in transition and off rebounds.

Tougaloo's Struggles in the Final Frame

Despite Morgan's remarkable performance, Tougaloo was unable to maintain its momentum in the second half. The Lady Bulldogs' offense, which had been fluid in the first two quarters, went cold in the fourth. With Philander Smith ramping up its defensive pressure and pushing the pace, Tougaloo struggled to find easy looks.

Philander Smith's bench also played a crucial role in the victory, with reserves providing valuable minutes to keep the starting five fresh for the game's closing stages. The Lady Panthers' depth and ability to capitalize on turnovers proved to be a decisive factor in their fourth-quarter comeback.

Key Stats

• Philander Smith:

  • Miracle Thomas: 17 points, 7 steals, 5 assists

  • Samya Johnson: 17 points, 83% free throw shooting

  • Team turnovers forced: 17

  • Bench points: Crucial contributions from reserves

• Tougaloo College:

  • Shalaye Morgan: 28 points, 12-for-12 free throws

  • Team shooting percentage: 42.1% (Philander Smith: 32.2%)

  • Rebounds: Tougaloo won the rebounding battle, but struggled in the final quarter