CHARLESTON, Ill. — The Tennessee State men's basketball team held Eastern Illinois to just 18.2 percent from deep in a 2-for-11 shooting performance on the way to a 65-61 victory over the Panthers on the road Saturday.

The Tigers (14-11, 6-6) had two players score in double figures, led by Zion Griffin, who had 23 points and three steals. Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. added 11 points and six rebounds and Jr. Clay added eight points, nine assists and two steals.

Tennessee State took advantage of excellent ball movement in Saturday's game, piling up 16 assists on 22 made field goals. Clay's nine assists led the distribution list for the Tigers.

Tennessee State did a great job disrupting Eastern Illinois shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. Zool Kueth led the way individually for the Tigers with two rejections.

How It Happened

After playing to an 11-11 tie, Tennessee State went on a 6-0 run with 11:07 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Griffin, to take a 17-11 lead. The Tigers then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 28-25 advantage. Tennessee State relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down six shots to account for 18 of its 28 points.

Eastern Illinois proceeded to take a 57-53 lead before Tennessee State went on an 8-0 run to seize a 61-57 lead with 19 seconds to go in the contest. The Tigers held onto that lead for the rest of the game for the 65-61 win.

Game Notes

» Tennessee State lit it up from beyond the arc, knocking down 10 treys in the game.
» The Tigers held the Panthers to only 36.9 percent shooting from the field.
» The Tigers put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 73 percent of made baskets.
» Tennessee State had a great day defensively, holding Eastern Illinois to 18 percent from three-point land on 11 attempts.
» The Tennessee State defense forced 15 turnovers.
» The Tigers were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.
» Tennessee State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Zion Griffin led the Tigers with a game-high 23 points.
» Tennessee State got a team-high seven rebounds from Zool Kueth.

Up Next
TSU host SEMO on Thursday and Tennessee Tech on Saturday.