NICEVILLE, FLA. — Jaylen Jones had a team-high 18 points, but an 18-point deficit was too much to overcome for the Tennessee State men's basketball team in a 60-59 loss to Mercer on Friday in the semifinals of the Emerald Coast Classic. 

The Tigers (4-2) had two players score in double figures, led by Jaylen Jones, who had 18 points. Kinyon Hodges added 17 points, six rebounds and five steals and Michael Shanks added four points and two steals.

The Tennessee State defense caused its share of mistakes in Friday's game, forcing 23 Mercer turnovers while committing 15. Those takeaways turned into 25 points on the other end of the floor. Hodges' five steals led the way individually for the Tigers.

How It Happened

Tennessee State struggled out of the gate, falling behind 32-17 heading into halftime.

After intermission, Tennessee State kept the Bears from increasing their lead before going on a 13-0 run, finished off by Hodges' layup, to shrink the deficit to 51-49 with 5:36 to go in the contest. The Tigers kept their comeback going, but Mercer managed to hold on for the 60-59 win. Tennessee State capitalized on 13 Mercer turnovers in the period, collecting 19 points off those turnovers.

Game Notes

» The Tennessee State bench made an impact by adding 26 points to its scoring output.
» The Tennessee State defense forced 23 turnovers.
» Jaylen Jones led the Tigers with a game-high 18 points.
» Tennessee State got a team-high six rebounds from Kinyon Hodges.

TSU will face the loser of Western Michigan / Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday at 10 AM.