title image via TSU Athletics
Courtesy of Tennessee State Athletics
82
Little Rock 7-8,1-1 OVC
90
Winner Tennessee St. 8-7,1-1 OVC
| Team | 1 | 2 | F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | 44 | 38 | 82 |
| Tennessee St. | 41 | 49 | 90 |
Ej Bellinger knocked down a dagger 3-pointer with 1:09 left in the fourth quarter to put Tennessee State up 88-80, and the Tigers earned a 90-82 win over the Little Rock Trojans at home Saturday.
The Tigers (8-7, 1-1) had five players score in double figures, led by Christian Brown, who had 20 points. Bellinger added 17 points and eight rebounds and Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. chipped in as well with 14 points.
The Tennessee State offense made hay from three-point land, pouring in nine threes on 18 attempts. Michael Shanks hit three treys for the Tigers in the contest.
Tennessee State’s defense held Little Rock to only 9.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
How It Happened
Tennessee State kept it close in the first period but entered halftime down 44-41.
Tennessee State narrowed its deficit to 60-58 before going on an 11-0 run to seize a 69-60 lead with 10:23 to go in the contest. The Trojans narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Tigers still cruised the rest of the way for the 90-82 win. Tennessee State made the most of five offensive rebounds to tack on nine second-chance points out of 49 total in the period.
Game Notes» The Tigers made half of their attempts from three-point range, knocking down nine of 18 shots.
» Tennessee State tallied 16 total assists in the game.
» Tennessee State had a great day defensively, holding Little Rock to 10 percent from three-point land on 21 attempts.
» Five Tennessee State players scored 10 or more points.
» Christian Brown led the Tigers with 20 points.
» Tennessee State got a team-high eight rebounds from Ej Bellinger.
Next Up
The Tigers will be back in action on Thursday evening as they are set to travel to Evansville, Ind., to take on Southern Indiana.
Next Game: at Southern Indiana 1/4/2024 | 7:30 PM ESPN+ WNSR — 560 AM, 95.9 FM (Nashville), 107.9 FM (Smyrna)
Team Statistics
| Game Stats | LR | TSU |
|---|---|---|
| FG% | .438 | .538 |
| 3FG% | .095 | .500 |
| FT% | .800 | .862 |
| RB | 36 | 31 |
| TO | 12 | 14 |
| STL | 3 | 6 |
