NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee State men's basketball team went into the half tied with Eastern Illinois 35-35, but took control in the second half to knock off the Panthers 78-73 at home Thursday.
The Tigers (16-12, 9-6) had three players score in double figures, led by Ej Bellinger, who had 18 points and six rebounds. Jaylen Jones added 16 points and five assists off the bench and Jason Jitoboh chipped in as well with 12 points, six rebounds, and four blocks.
The Tennessee State defense held Eastern Illinois shooters to only 39.7 percent from the field. The Tigers also kept Corey Sawyer Jr to 3-of-13 shooting in the game.
How It Happened
After falling behind 5-4, Tennessee State went on a 7-0 run with 15:21 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Justin Williams, to take an 11-5 lead. Eastern Illinois then responded to tie things up at 35-35 heading into halftime. Tennessee State got the job done in the paint in the first half, scoring 20 of its 35 points close to the basket.
Eastern Illinois then snagged a 42-37 advantage before Tennessee State responded by going on an 8-0 run, finished off by Jones' jumper, to seize a 45-42 lead with 14:58 to go in the contest. The Tigers kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 78-73 win. Tennessee State got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 16 of its 43 total points.
Game Notes
» Tennessee State outscored Eastern Illinois 43-38 in the second half after a halftime tie to pick up the victory.
» The Tigers held the Panthers to only 39.7 percent shooting from the field.
» The Tennessee State bench made an impact by scoring 31 points to its scoring output.
» The Tigers were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.
» Ej Bellinger led the Tigers with a game-high 18 points.
» Tennessee State got a team-high seven rebounds from
Kinyon Hodges.
Next Up
The Tigers will be back in action on Saturday afternoon as they are set to host SIUE for senior day. Tip-off from the Gentry Center is slated for 3:30 p.m.
