Score: Tennessee State 76, Jacksonville State 77
Records: TSU (4-17, 3-15), JSU (15-8, 11-6)
Location: Nashville, Tenn.
Arena: Gentry Center
Attendance: 431
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NASHVILLE --- Five seconds is all that was between the Tennessee State Tigers and a win over Jacksonville State. In that time, the Gamecocks, who had trailed for over 27 minutes of action drove up court, through all of Big Blue's defenders and into the hoop for a 77-76 victory to close TSU's home 2020-21 schedule.
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Freeman led the team in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals with 29 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, marking the second double-double of his career.
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Each of Big Blue's seniors saw action for their last game on their home court,
Donnie Malone having a career night, totaling five points off the bench.
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The Tigers hit the road for the remaining two games of the regular season in Kentucky.
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INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- TSU Leaders
- The Tigers shot 50 percent from three-point distance – the best of the year.
- Thirty-four points were made in the paint.
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HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Tigers' first foul turned into a three-pointer for JSU to kick off the game. Mark Freeman answered with his own, 3-3.
- After a trip to the charity stripe the Gamecocks were up 14-10. Sharp shooter Monty Johal pulled up for a three-point ball to bring the Tigers within one.
- Mark Freeman was the offensive machine for the Tigers scoring 10 of its 15 points.
- A scoring lull at the beginning of the half to even the score.
- Tied at 43, Freeman on the fast break stops in the paint for a quick jumper.
- Big Blue went on a 9-0 run thanks to four Linder free-throws bookended by a Johnson dunk and a Barrett three-pointer.
- Up by 10 with five minutes to go, the Gamecocks began to make plays and their defense began to shut down the Tigers.
- With one minute remaining, JSU went on an eight point run to lead the Tigers 75-73.
- Mark Freeman completed the and-one for a one-point advantage.
- With five seconds remaining, Finch drove up the court, past five defenders and to the hoop for the 77-76 victory over Big Blue.
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GAME NOTES
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UP NEXT
Big Blue hits the road for the final week of OVC regular-season action. On Thursday, the Tigers will take on Morehead State at 6 p.m.
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