NASHVILLE — Ronald Jessamy scored 23 points and Carlous Williams added 21 to lead the Tennessee State men's basketball over 615 HBCU foe Fisk, 96-66 in the season opener at the Gentry Center on Monday. 

The Tigers (1-0) had five players score in double figures, led by Jessamy, who secured a double-double with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Williams added 21 points and seven rebounds and Justus Jackson chipped in as well with 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

The Tennessee State offense was very productive from deep, pouring in nine threes on 31 attempts. Jackson was the most prolific shooter for the Tigers, draining four treys in the contest.

The Tennessee State defense held Fisk shooters to only 38.6 percent from the field, including 23.3 percent from three-point range. The Tigers also kept Doyel Cockrill III to 2-of-12 shooting and four points in the game.

How It Happened

After jumping out to a 7-5 advantage, Tennessee State went on a 6-0 run with 17:39 left in the first half to increase its lead to 13-5. The Tigers then added nine points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 48-31 advantage. Tennessee State did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 24 of its 48 points close to the basket.

The Tigers coasted to the win from there, increasing their margin of victory by outscoring the Bulldogs 48-35 in the second half. Tennessee State took care of business in the paint, recording 24 of its 48 points in the lane.

Game Notes

» Ronald Jessamy notched an impressive double-double for the Tigers with 23 points and 14 rebounds.
» Tennessee State lit it up from three point land, knocking down nine treys in the game.
» The Tigers held the Bulldogs to only 38.6 percent shooting from the field.
» Tennessee State never trailed on the way to a 96-66 victory.
» The Tigers put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 74 percent of made baskets.
» Every Tennessee State starter scored in double figures.
» Five Tennessee State players scored 10 or more points.
» Tennessee State had a 52-27 edge on the boards in the win.
» Tennessee State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 17 offensive boards in the game.
» Ronald Jessamy had a game-high 23 points and Carlous Williams added 21.
» Tennessee State got a game-high 14 rebounds from Ronald Jessamy.