OPENING TIP: Tennessee State heads to the AAMU Events Center on Wednesday riding a three-game winning streak and carrying its highest NET ranking in seven seasons, checking in at No. 129—TSU's best mark since the 2017–18 campaign under Dana Ford. The Tigers' current surge mirrors their late-season push a year ago, when they closed the regular season with back-to-back wins before advancing in the OVC Quarterfinals. Alabama A&M enters the matchup looking to bounce back after dropping contests to Clemson and Coastal Carolina.
SERIES INFORMATION VS ALABAMA A&M: Wednesday's contest against the Bulldogs will mark the 26th all-time meeting between the HBCU foes. TSU leads the series 19–6 following an 81–71 win on Nov. 16, 2024, at the Gentry Center. Brandon Weston paced the Tigers with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Carlous Williams added 15 points and Aaron Nkrumah chipped in eight points and five boards. TSU won the inaugural matchup between the programs during the 1968–69 season.
CHATTANOOGA BY THE NUMBERS:
0: TSU never trailed in the contest, leading for all 39:40 of game time.
6: Travis Harper II and Jalen Pitre combined to go a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, helping TSU close out the win.
8: Jalen Pitre pulled down eight rebounds, tying for the team lead and helping TSU win the glass battle.
14: TSU scored 14 second-chance points, capitalizing on its work on the offensive boards.
16: Harper and Aaron Nkrumah each scored 17, while Dante Harris added 15, giving TSU a balanced trio that combined for 49 points.
32: The Tigers dominated the interior with 32 points in the paint, doubling up Chattanooga in that area.
39: TSU won the rebounding battle 39–31, its largest rebound margin of the season.
42: The Tigers exploded for 42 first-half points, their highest opening-half output in a road game this year.
70: For the fourth straight game, TSU hit the 70-point mark, extending its winning streak to three games.
93.3%: TSU shot a blistering 93.3% from the line (14-of-15), its best free-throw performance of the season.
