ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Aaron Nkrumah totaled nine steals to set a new Tennessee State single-game record, and men's basketball edged UNC Asheville 75–73 on the road Tuesday night to give head coach Nolan Smith his first Division I victory.
The Tigers (3–3) had three players in double figures, led by Nkrumah's all-around performance of 18 points, nine steals, six rebounds and five assists. Dante Harris added 17 points, six assists and two steals — including the game-winning free throws with 1.1 seconds left — while Travis Harper II chipped in 12 points and two steals. TSU also received a lift off the bench from Kavien Jones, who scored eight points and grabbed six rebounds, four of them on the offensive end.
Tennessee State controlled the offensive glass, finishing with 14 offensive rebounds that turned into 15 second-chance points. Jones led the effort with four offensive boards, while Jalen Pitre added six rebounds overall.
Defensively, the Tigers were disruptive throughout, forcing 23 UNC Asheville turnovers and converting those mistakes into 28 points. Nkrumah's nine steals — the most by a TSU player since Kinyon Hodges' mark of eight vs. SIUE on Feb. 24, 2024. — powered a defensive effort that helped TSU overcome an 11-point second-half deficit.
How It Happened
Tennessee State trailed 20–14 in the first half before using a 6–0 run to pull even. UNC Asheville responded and took a 40–34 lead into halftime behind efficient shooting.
The Bulldogs stretched their advantage to 53–42 with 12:41 left before TSU mounted its comeback. The Tigers rattled off an 11–0 run fueled by defensive pressure and second-chance buckets to cut the margin to 53–51 with 9:08 remaining.
Trailing 73–72 in the final seconds, Harris was fouled behind the arc. The graduate guard calmly knocked down all three free throws with 1.1 seconds left, sealing a 75–73 comeback win.
The Tigers outscored Asheville 41–33 in the second half and dominated inside, scoring 26 points in the paint after halftime.
Game Notes
• Aaron Nkrumah set the Tennessee State single-game steals record with nine, surpassing Kinyon Hodges' mark of eight vs. SIUE on Feb. 24, 2024.
• Head coach Nolan Smith earned his first Division I victory and the third win of his coaching career.
• Tennessee State held a 32–30 edge on the glass and collected 14 offensive rebounds.
• TSU forced 23 turnovers and turned them into 28 points.
• Nkrumah led the Tigers with 18 points and shared the team lead in rebounds.
• Kavien Jones matched Nkrumah with six rebounds and added eight points.
• Harris finished with 17 points, including all three game-winning free throws with 1.1 seconds remaining.
