OPENING TIP: The Tennessee State men's basketball team is set to compete in the Coke Classic, facing Chattanooga on Monday and Bryant on Tuesday.
SERIES INFORMATION VS. CHATTANOOGA: Monday's matchup will mark the 36th all-time meeting between TSU and Chattanooga. The Mocs lead the series 22-13.
SERIES INFORMATION VS. BRYANT: Tuesday's contest will be the first-ever meeting between TSU and Bryant.
EAST-WEST BY THE NUMBERS:
Lorick Leads the Charge: Antoine Lorick III delivered a career-high 33 points on an astonishing 13-of-15 shooting. He added 14 rebounds for a double-double, dominating in the paint and converting 7-of-10 free throws.
Rebounding Royalty: TSU controlled the boards with a massive 84-37 rebounding advantage. Ahmir Langlais and Louis Daoust each pulled down 14 rebounds, while Lorick III added 14 and Aaron Nkrumah contributed 11. The Tigers turned 32 offensive rebounds into 31 second-chance points.
Bench Bombshell: TSU's bench exploded for 66 points, outscoring East-West's entire team. Lorick III (33 points) and Blake Fleming (13 points) led the charge, showcasing the Tigers' incredible depth.
Points in the Paint Party: The Tigers dominated inside, scoring 58 points in the paint. Whether through offensive rebounds or strong drives, TSU controlled the interior from start to finish.
Bodenhamer Does It All: Maddux Bodenhamer filled the stat sheet with 9 rebounds, a game-high 8 assists, 5 points, and a steal in 27 minutes. His all-around contributions highlighted TSU's unselfish team play.
Fast-Break Frenzy: TSU capitalized on turnovers, scoring 34 points off East-West's 18 giveaways. The Tigers added 17 fast-break points, keeping their opponents on their heels all game.
Nkrumah's Double-Double: Aaron Nkrumah was a force on both ends, scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. He also contributed 2 steals and a block, energizing the Tigers with his relentless effort.
Teamwork Triumphs: The Tigers dished out 24 assists, showcasing excellent ball movement. Bodenhamer led with 8 assists, while multiple players contributed to the unselfish offensive display.
Defensive Dominance: TSU's defense held East-West in check, forcing 18 turnovers and converting them into 34 points. The Tigers also blocked 8 shots and grabbed 8 steals, stifling any offensive rhythm.
