title image via Tennessee State Basketball
Courtesy of Tennessee State Athletics
OPENING TIP: Tennessee State returns to OVC action Thursday evening as it hosts Eastern Illinois, riding the momentum of a dramatic 90–85 comeback win over Tennessee Tech on Monday in a game rescheduled due to the Nashville Winter Storm. The Tigers erased a 20-point deficit to secure the victory and will look to carry that energy into the matchup with the Panthers, who enter the contest on a three-game losing streak and are coming off a game in which they surrendered an 18-point lead to SEMO. TSU seeks to even the season series after a narrow 74–70 loss at EIU on Jan. 10.
The Matchup:
Tennessee State (14-8, 8-4) vs. Eastern Illinois (9-14, 5-7)
Date/Time: Thursday, February 5 at 7:30 PM
Location: NASHVILLE | Gentry Center
TV: ESPN+
SERIES INFORMATION VS. EASTERN ILLINOIS: TSU leads the all-time series 38-28. EIU won the opening contest 74-70 on Jan. 10. The Pantherts raced out to a 42-33 lead at the half before TSU made a late-game attempted comeback. The Tigers tied the contest with 3:30 left but then EIU finished the game on an 8-4 run. Khalil London finished with a team-best 23 points.
TENNESSEE TECH BY THE NUMBERS:
6: TSU finished with six steals, turning defense into transition scoring opportunities.
10: The Tigers converted 10 fast-break points.
12: Tennessee State forced 12 turnovers, keeping consistent pressure on Tennessee Tech throughout the game.
15: TSU’s bench contributed 15 points, providing key minutes and production.
20: Tennessee State erased its largest deficit and tied the game late and even tied the contest on a 45-28 run over the next 14:53 of the contest.
20: The Tigers scored 20 second-chance points, controlling the offensive glass and extending possessions.
21: Aaron Nkrumah led TSU with 21 points while adding seven rebounds and five assists.
44: Tennessee State scored 44 points in the paint.
54: TSU outscored Tennessee Tech 54–44 in the second half./;
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