CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. —The Tennessee State men's basketball team fell 97-85 to Bryant in the finale of the Coke Classic on Tuesday evening.
The Tigers (3-5) had four players score in double figures, led by Brandon Weston, who had 24 points and six steals. Carlous Williams added 16 points and two steals and Antoine Lorick III chipped in as well with 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals off the bench.
Led by Ahmir Langlais' two offensive rebounds, Tennessee State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 12 boards that resulted in 10 second chance points.
The Tennessee State defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Tuesday's game, forcing 21 Bryant turnovers while committing 10. Those takeaways turned into 20 points on the offensive end of the floor. Weston's six steals led the way individually for the Tigers.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 25-23 advantage, Tennessee State went on a 6-0 run with 10:38 left in the first half to increase its lead to 31-23. The Tigers then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 46-40.
After intermission, Tennessee State managed to gain control and had a 72-56 lead before going on a 9-0 run, finished off by Williams' layup, to grow the lead to 81-56 with 9:41 to go in the contest. Bryant then asserted control, outscoring the Tigers 41-4 the rest of the way to hand Tennessee State the 97-85 loss. Tennessee State capitalized on 15 Bryant turnovers in the period, collecting 12 points off those turnovers.
Game Notes
» The Tennessee State bench made an impact by adding 29 points to its scoring output.
» Antoine Lorick III and Knute Wood came off the bench to score 16 and 13 points, respectively.
» The Tigers dominated the turnover battle, forcing 21 Bryant giveaways while committing only 10.
» The Tennessee State defense forced 21 turnovers.
» Tennessee State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
» Brandon Weston led the Tigers with a game-high 24 points.
» Tennessee State got a team-high seven rebounds from Antoine Lorick III.
