CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Tennessee State men's basketball team kept Southern Illinois to just 14.3 percent from 3-point range in a 3-for-21 shooting performance, but fell 57-44 to the Salukis on the road Thursday.

The Tigers (3-1) had two players score in double figures, led by Jr. Clay, who had 12 points and three steals. Dedric Boyd added 10 points off of the bench and Adong Makuoi added five points and four blocks.

The Tennessee State defense held Southern Illinois shooters to only 36.2 percent from the field, including 14.3 percent from three-point range. The Salukis did not get many second opportunities on the offensive end, as they grabbed only five offensive rebounds and scored zero second-chance points while Tennessee State pulled down 26 defensive rebounds.

How It Happened

After falling behind 25-12, Tennessee State went on a 12-0 run with 9:17 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Makuoi, to narrow its deficit to 25-24. Southern Illinois answered back and added to its lead, leaving the Tigers down 36-27 entering halftime.

Tennessee State could not pull any closer in the second half, losing by a final of 57-44. Tennessee State took care of business in the paint, recording 10 of its 17 points in the lane.

Game Notes

» The Tigers held the Salukis to only 36.2 percent shooting from the field.
» The Tigers put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 60 percent of made baskets.
» Tennessee State played solid perimeter defense, holding Southern Illinois to 14 percent from three-point land on 21 attempts.
» The Tennessee State bench came alive by adding 22 points to its scoring output.
» The Tennessee State defense forced 17 turnovers.
» Jr. Clay led the Tigers with 12 points.
» Tennessee State got five rebounds from both Adong Makuoi and Zion Griffin.

The Tigers will stay on the road with a pair of games out in San Juan Capistrano, California as part of the SoCal Challenge against CSUN Northridge on Monday at noon PT/ 2 p.m. CT.