title image via Tennessee State Basketball
Courtesy of Tennessee State Athletics
71
UTM
78
Winner TSU
| Team | 1 | 2 | F |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTM | 37 | 34 | 71 |
| TSU | 32 | 46 | 78 |
NASHVILLE –Aaron Nkrumah scored 23 points to help lead the Tennessee State men’s basketball team over the UT Martin Skyhawks 78-71 in the OVC opener at the Gentry Center on Thursday.
Nkrumah added three steals to his 23-point performance to lead the Tigers (7-4, 1-0), finishing 10-of-20 from the field while attacking the rim throughout the night. Travis Harper II helped out with 16 points, knocking down four three-pointers and adding two steals, while Dante Harris chipped in with 13 points, including several key buckets late to help seal the win.
The Tennessee State defense caused its share of mistakes in Thursday’s game, forcing 16 UT Martin turnovers while committing just 10. Those takeaways turned into 17 points on the offensive end of the floor. The Tigers also shot an efficient 50 percent from the field and outscored the Skyhawks 46-34 after halftime to complete the comeback.
How It Happened
After playing to a 2-2 tie, Tennessee State went on a 5-0 run with 19:04 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Travis Harper II, to take a 7-2 lead. UT Martin responded with a strong stretch of play, using second-chance opportunities and free throws to grab momentum. Despite baskets from Nkrumah and Harper, the Tigers surrendered the lead and entered halftime down 37-32.
After intermission, Tennessee State kept the Skyhawks from increasing their lead before going on a decisive 7-0 run to seize a 60-58 advantage with 5:26 to go in the contest. Nkrumah sparked the rally with finishes in the paint, while Harper connected from deep to give TSU its first lead of the second half. The Tigers continued to apply pressure defensively and executed down the stretch, using timely baskets from Harris and clutch free throws to expand the margin and coast the rest of the way for the 78-71 win.
Game Notes
» Tennessee State outscored UT Martin 46-34 in the second half.
» The Tigers shot 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range (4-of-10).
» The Tennessee State defense forced 16 turnovers and recorded seven steals.
» Aaron Nkrumah led the Tigers with a game-high 23 points and three steals.
» Travis Harper II finished with 16 points and four three-pointers.
» Dante Harris added 13 points and three assists.
» Tennessee State held UT Martin to just 1-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc in the second half.
