The women’s basketball team was not nearly as ready for the season as they had hoped.Head coach Karen Kemp’s Lady Bucs fell to Division II opponent Tusculum College in their first exhibition game of the season, 59-51.

ETSU’s senior guard Tara Davis said, “You always have to find a positive in a loss.

“It’ll be motivation for everyone on the team. This gives us a picture on what we need to work on.”

One thing the Lady Bucs need to work on is missed opportunities. Kemp said.

“We missed so many layups and easy shots,” Kemp said. “Over on the bench we lost count at 27 missed layups I think. When you miss that many chances, it’s really tough to win.”

Davis said later in the press conference that Tusculum came in and did everything they needed to get the win.

Tusculum’s senior guard Jasmine “Shorty” Gunn contributed three assists, seven rebounds, two steals and led all scorers with 24 points.

“Whatever I have to give to my team, they’re going to get it,” said Gunn after the game. “We’ve been in the gym and working hard all summer. It’s good to know we’ve gotten that much better.”

The Bucs did have a few highlights. Senior forward Latisha Belcher had a double-double with 10 rebounds and 12 points, and freshman forward Destiny Mitchell ended the game with a team-leading 14 rebounds.

“Destiny is going to be really special for us,” Kemp said.

The Lady Bucs’ next home game is Nov. 7 against King College at the ETSU/MSHA Athletic Center.

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