Monday night’s overwhelming assault from the Golden Eagles’ three-point barrage proved to be too much for Tennessee State. Tennessee Tech connected on 15 of 24 from downtown, answering many TSU runs with demoralising threes, and pulled the 90-85 upset over the Tigers.
The Tigers’ offense was off-kilter in the first half. Seduced by hero-ball, Tennessee State shot just 37.1% (13-35) from the field and 20% (2-10) from the land of three.
Tennessee Tech had no such offensive challenges, converting on 57.7% (15-26) of their field goals, including 53.3 % (8-15) from the land of three.
The percolating TTU offense, coupled with the struggles of Tennessee State enabled the Golden Eagles to quicklybuild a double-digit lead and they took a 15-point lead into the half.
TSU only forced four turnovers in the first half, which limited their ability to get into their transition game, which is when they are at their best.
Tennessee Tech continued to show the way, building as much as a 19-point lead. TSU, who showed more verve in the second half continued to play from underneath, trimming the lead to single digits multiple times, the Golden Eagles would answer with a score to push the advantage back to double digits. After being down 84-71, Tennessee State went on a 12-0 run to pull to within a single point at 84-83 with 2:07 left in the contest.
Dante Harris’ jumper tied the game at 85 with 1:41 remaining, TTU jumped back in front 88-85 with just 0:27 to go in the game. TSU’s attempt to tie the game fell no good, Tech went on to the 90-84 win.
Aaron Nkrumah led 3 Tigers in double figures with 21 points. Travis Harper II added 19, while Dante Harris scored 15. Up next for the Tigers is a home meeting with Eastern Illinois who beat TSU 74-70 earlier this season
