Image via Tennessee State Athletics
Powered by a big first half from Aaron Nkrumah, stifling defense, and a game-breaking run, Tennessee State was able to decisively dispatch SIUE 80-53 on Senior and Alumni Day.
Nkrumah connected on his first 8 field goal attempts, as he scored 19 of his be game-high 26 points in the first half, including TSU’s first 11 points of the afternoon. The Tigers had their way, shooting 57% from the floor and scoring 80 points against an SIUE unit that ranks second in the OVC and 12th nationally, allowing 64.9 points per contest and holding opponents to 39.7% from the field.
Tyler King’s layup put the Cpugars up 2-0 at the 19:03 mark.
That was the last time SIUE led the contest. TSU, specifically Aaron Nkrumah, scored the game’s next 7 points to give the Tigers a 7-2 lead. With its offense clicking, Tennessee State controlled the first half, building as much as a 14-point lead, an advantage they would take into halftime at 40-26.
Tennessee State used a 17-0 lead that started in the first half to crack the game open. By the time SIUE scored their first points of the half, a Darrion Baker free throw that came at the 14:23 mark, the Cougars were in a 24-point hole, 51-27.
SIUE’s first field goal in the second half was a Jordan Pickett layup at the 12:12 mark, with the score 55-30. The balance of the half was protracted garbage time as the Tigers’ advantage expanded to as much as 32 points at 62-30 with 9:40 remaining in the contest.
In addition to his 26 points, Nkrumah alsoadded a team high 11 boards. Antoine Lorick III added 15 points and Travis Harper contributed 12 points.
Tennessee State (19-9, 13-5) is once again in a three-way tie with Morehead State and Southeast Missouri for first place in the OVC. The Tigers face SEMO on February 26; tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm CST.
