NASHVILLE — Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. scored 30 points to help lead the Tennessee State men's basketball team past the Brescia Bearcats 98-83 at home Tuesday.

The Tigers (8-5) had four players score in double figures, led by Fitzgerald Jr., who had 30 points and nine rebounds. Adong Makuoi added a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds and Justin Williams helped out with 16 points and two steals.

Led by Makuoi's five offensive rebounds, Tennessee State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 13 boards that resulted in 13 second-chance points.

Tennessee State did a great job disrupting Brescia's shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. Makuoi's two rejections led the way individually for the Tigers.

How It Happened

After falling behind 37-31, Tennessee State went on an 11-0 run with 5:25 left in the first half to take a 42-37 lead. The Tigers then maintained that lead and entered halftime with a 55-50 advantage. Tennessee State got out and ran in the period, scoring 15 points on the break.

Tennessee State kept its lead intact before going on an 8-0 run, finished off by Williams' three, to grow the lead to 67-56 with 15:11 to go in the contest. The Tigers kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 98-83 win. Tennessee State got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 13 of its 43 total points.

Game Notes

» Adong Makuoi notched a double-double for the Tigers with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
» The Tigers held the Bearcats to only 39.7 percent shooting from the field.
» Tennessee State never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Tennessee State had a 49-28 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Tigers were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording five blocks as a team.
» Tennessee State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. led the Tigers with 30 points.
» Tennessee State got a game-high 10 rebounds from Adong Makuoi.

Up Next
TSU opens OVC play on Dec. 29 against Morehead State at 8 PM and then Little Rock on Dec. 31 at 3:30 PM.