title image via Tennessee State Athletics
50
Fisk
101
Winner TSU
| Team | 1 | 2 | F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fisk | 16 | 34 | 50 |
| TSU | 47 | 54 | 101 |
The Nolan Smith era started with a bang, as the Tennessee Tigers thoroughly dispatched their neighbors on Jefferson Street, the Bulldogs of Fisk University, 101-50.
In the game’s infancy, it was a back-and-forth affair that featured four lead changes and a tie. Jalen Pitre’s free throws put the Tigers up 10-8 at the 16:26 mark in the first half. Mitchel Seay’s jumper pulled the Bulldogs to within four at 16-12 with 13:46 left in the half, Tennessee State went on a 20-0 run over the 7:34 to take a 36-12 lead. TSU outscored Fisk 11-5 over the remainder of the half to take a 47-16 lead heading into halftime.
The Tigers held the Bulldogs to just 15.2% (5-33) from the field and 11.8% ( 2-17) from downtown in the opening half. They also forced 12 turnovers that they turned into 23 points.
The second half was protracted garbage time, as Tennessee State’s lead never shrank below 28 points and they cruised to a comfortable 101-50 win.
All 5 Tennessee State starters were in double figures, paced by Travis Harper II and Carlous Williams, who had 15 points apiece. Aaron Nkrumah and Dante Harris each scored 13 and Jalen Pitre added 12 points.
Simeon Williams led Fisk with 14 points; Mitchel Seay chipped in with 10 points. They were the only Bulldogs to crack double figures.
Up next for Tennessee State is an in-town trek to the Curb Event Center where they will take on Belmont. The two schools have not met since February 26, 2022, when the Bruins laid a 87-67 spanking on the Tigers.
