NASHVILLE, TN --Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. collected 26 points to help lead the Tennessee State men's basketball team over Eastern Illinois, 78-74, on Thursday evening at the Gentry Center. 

Fitzgerald Jr. added four assists to his 26-point game to lead the Tigers (11-9, 3-4). Jr. Clay helped out with 18 points and Adong Makuoi chipped in with nine points and six rebounds.

Tennessee State pulled down 33 rebounds in Thursday's game compared to Eastern Illinois' 32, led by six boards from David Acosta.

How It Happened

After jumping out to a 17-8 advantage, Tennessee State went on an 8-0 run with 7:51 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Dedric Boyd, to increase its lead to 25-8. The Tigers then added three points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 40-20 advantage. Tennessee State relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down eight shots to account for 24 of its 40 points.

Tennessee State kept its lead intact before going on a 5-0 run, finished off by Clay's three, to grow the lead to 55-42 with 10:48 to go in the contest. The Panthers narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Tigers still held on for the 78-74 win.

Game Notes

» The Tigers shot well from three-point range, knocking down 10 of 24 long-range attempts.
» Tennessee State never trailed on the way to a 78-74 victory.
» Tennessee State had a 33-32 edge on the boards in the win.
» Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. led the Tigers with a game-high 26 points.
» Tennessee State got six rebounds from both David Acosta and Adong Makuoi.

Up Next

TSU heads to Little Rock on Saturday and SEMO on Thursday before returning home on Jan. 28 to host Lindenwood.