OPENING TIP: The Tennessee State men's basketball team will continue early Ohio Valley Conference play on Saturday, hosting SEMO at the Gentry Center with tipoff set for 3:30 p.m. The Tigers are coming off a 78-71 victory over UT Martin on Thursday, led by Aaron Nkrumah's game-high 23 points. SEMO enters the matchup after an 85-74 loss to Tennessee Tech, paced by BJ Ward's 19 points.

SERIES INFORMATION VS SEMO: The all-time series is tied 31-31.

SEMO BY THE NUMBERS: 

3: Three Tigers scored in double figures, led by Aaron Nkrumah, Travis Harper II and Dante Harris.

4: TSU knocked down 4 three-pointers on 40 percent shooting (4-of-10) from beyond the arc.

5: The Tigers erased a five-point halftime deficit, outscoring the Skyhawks 46-34 in the second half.

8: TSU used an 8-0 scoring run late in the second half to create separation.

9: Jalen Pitre added nine points and six rebounds, including key second-chance buckets late.

10: The contest featured eight lead changes and 10 ties, highlighting the competitive nature of the game.

11: The Tigers recorded 11 assists on 30 made field goals.

11: Tennessee State led for 11:14 of game time, including the decisive final stretch.

13: Dante Harris finished with 13 points, five assists and four rebounds, anchoring the offense.

15: The Tigers tallied 15 fast-break points, compared to 12 by UT Martin.

16: Travis Harper II chipped in 16 points, knocking down 4-of-6 from three-point range.

17: Tennessee State forced 16 turnovers and converted them into 17 points.

21: UT Martin was limited to 21.1 percent shooting from three-point range (4-of-19).

22: TSU made 22 field goals inside the arc, finishing 26-of-50 on two-point attempts.

23: Aaron Nkrumah poured in a game-high 23 points, the most by any player on the floor.

24: Tennessee State controlled the game for 24:27 of possession time, dictating tempo.

25: The Tigers finished with 25 defensive rebounds, limiting second-chance opportunities.

30: TSU connected on 30 made field goals, showcasing balanced scoring across the lineup.

32: TSU collected 32 total rebounds, including eight on the offensive glass.

38: The Tigers scored 38 points in the paint, consistently attacking the rim.

40: TSU shot 40 percent from three-point range, doubling UT Martin's perimeter efficiency.

46: Tennessee State exploded for 46 second-half points, fueling the comeback victory.

50: The Tigers shot 50 percent from the field, their most efficient performance in OVC play this season.

71: TSU held UT Martin to 71 total points, winning the defensive battle late.

77: Tennessee State shot 77.8 percent from the free-throw line (14-of-18), closing out the win at the stripe.

78: Tennessee State finished with 78 points, securing its first conference win of the season.