Tennessee State’s long-awaited return to the NCAA Tournament proved to be a harsh reality check.
Back in the Big Dance for the first time in 32 years, the Tigers were overwhelmed by Iowa State in a 108-74 loss that brought their historic season to a close.
From the outset, the Cyclones imposed their will with size, strength, and relentless pressure on both ends of the floor. Iowa State dominated the glass 43-29 and stifled Tennessee State from beyond the arc, holding the Tigers to just 23.8% (5-of-21) from three-point range.
After a brief 3-3 tie early, a layup from Dante Harris pulled TSU within 9-7 at the 15:18 mark. That would be as close as the Tigers would get.
Iowa State responded with a devastating 23-0 run over the next five and a half minutes, blowing the game open at 32-7 and effectively ending the competitive portion of the contest before the midway point of the first half.
Tennessee State didn’t reach double figures until Aaron Nkrumah threw down a dunk to make it 38-11 with 7:05 remaining in the half. The Cyclones maintained complete control, taking a commanding 55-29 lead into the break, with their advantage never dipping below 22 points.
Any hopes of a second-half comeback quickly faded.
Iowa State continued to apply pressure and extended its lead to as many as 38 points, never allowing the Tigers to gain any momentum on either end. The Cyclones cruised the rest of the way to seal the 108-74 victory.
Despite the loss, Tennessee State had multiple bright spots offensively. Aaron Nkrumah led four Tigers in double figures with 21 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block. Antoine Lorick III followed with 20 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. Travis Harper contributed 13 points but struggled from the field, shooting 4-of-13 and going 0-for-5 from deep. Dante Harris added 11 points.
Iowa State was powered by a balanced attack, led by Killyan Toure’s 25-point, 11-rebound double-double. Nate Heise added 22 points, Milan Momcilovic chipped in 17, and Blake Buchanan finished with 11 points.
While the final score was lopsided, it does little to diminish what Tennessee State accomplished this season. The Tigers’ return to March Madness marked a significant milestone for the program and a reminder of its potential on the national stage.
