Image via Tennessee State Basketball
Here are five key takeaways from the historic victory by Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball in the Ohio Valley Conference Championship Game.
The dominant win not only delivered the Ohio Valley Conference tournament title for Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball, but also ended a three-decade championship drought for the program. Under first-year head coach Nolan Smith, the Tigers’ run to the conference crown represents one of the most significant seasons in recent program history and sends Tennessee State University back to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament for the first time in years.
1. Tennessee State’s three-point shooting changed everything
The Tigers delivered a shooting clinic in the first half, knocking down 12 three-pointers and shooting an astonishing 12-for-15 from beyond the arc.
For a Tennessee State team that typically shoots around 31.9 percent from deep and averages just six made three-pointers per game, the torrid start completely flipped the game’s momentum and quickly put Morehead State Eagles men’s basketball on its heels.
2. The Tigers overwhelmed Morehead State early
Tennessee State built a lead that grew to 21 points before halftime, and the Eagles never fully recovered from the early barrage.
The Tigers also locked in defensively, holding Morehead State to 67 points and just 36.2 percent shooting from the field. Both numbers were well below the Eagles’ season averages of 75.3 points per game and 46.2 percent shooting — marks that ranked third and first in the conference, respectively.
The defensive effort continued a recent trend for Tennessee State. In five of their last six games, the Tigers have held opponents below their season averages in both scoring and field-goal percentage.
3. Balanced scoring fueled the win
Four Tigers finished in double figures, led by Antoine Lorick III’s 18 points. Travis Harper II added 17, while Dante Harris and Carlous Williams each contributed 16.
Balanced scoring has been a theme throughout the season for Tennessee State. Six different Tigers have led the team in scoring in a game this year, demonstrating the depth that has helped power the Tigers’ run to the conference title.
4. Dante Harris impacted the game everywhere
Dante Harris delivered a complete performance, finishing with 16 points and a team-high 11 rebounds to record a double-double.
Harris helped Tennessee State create separation in the first half by knocking down three consecutive three-pointers during a key stretch that pushed the Tigers’ lead into double digits. He also played a major role defensively, serving as the tip of the spear for a defensive effort that consistently disrupted the Eagles’ offense.
5. A historic moment for Tennessee State
The victory secured the first conference tournament championship for Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball since 1994 and clinched a long-awaited return to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Beyond the championship itself, the moment carries broader significance. Tennessee State’s run serves as another reminder that programs at historically Black colleges and universities, such as Tennessee State University, can build teams capable of competing at a high level on the national stage.
