NASHVILLE — Knute Wood hit a 3-pointer with 15 seconds remaining in overtime to put the Tennessee State men's basketball team up for good in an 81-80 win against UT Martin on Tuesday evening.
The Tigers (8-12, 4-5 OVC) had three players score in double figures, led by Brandon Weston, who had 20 points and four steals. Wood added 15 points and three steals off the bench and Ronald Jessamy helped out with 11 points and two blocks.
Tennessee State out-rebounded UT Martin 40-38 in Tuesday's game, led by five boards from Aaron Nkrumah. The Tigers also grabbed 13 offensive rebounds and scored nine second chance points.
Tennessee State did a great job disrupting UT Martin shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. Jessamy led the way individually for the Tigers with two rejections.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 24-20 advantage, Tennessee State went on a 6-0 run with 5:02 left in the first half to increase its lead to 30-20. The Tigers then maintained that lead and entered halftime with a 36-26 advantage. Tennessee State relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down six shots to account for 18 of its 36 points.
UT Martin proceeded to take a 69-62 lead before Tennessee State went on a 7-0 run to even the score at 69 all with 2:29 to go in the contest. Neither team was able to finish the game in regulation and the contest headed to overtime tied at 75-75. Tennessee State got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 13 of its 39 total points.
Tennessee State then took care of business in extra time, outscoring UT Martin 6-5 to seize victory by the 81-80 final score.
Game Notes
» Knute Wood's three with 15 seconds left put Tennessee State ahead for good.
» Tennessee State found success from three point land, knocking down 11 treys in the game.
» The Tennessee State bench came alive by adding 32 points to its scoring output.
» Tennessee State had a 40-38 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Tennessee State defense forced 18 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.
» Brandon Weston led the Tigers with a game-high 20 points.
» Tennessee State got five rebounds from both Aaron Nkrumah and Ronald Jessamy.
