CHARLESTON, Ill. — The Tennessee State men's basketball team erased a 20-point first-half deficit and got 34 points from its bench, but ultimately fell short in a 74-70 road loss to Eastern Illinois on Saturday at Groniger Arena.
The Tigers (10-6, 4-2) had three players score in double figures, led by Khalil London's game-high 23 points off the bench. Travis Harper II finished with 18 points and six rebounds, while Carlous Williams added 11 points and two blocks in reserve duty.
Tennessee State was active on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive rebounds that led to seven second-chance points. Dante Harris led the Tigers with a team-high eight rebounds to go along with seven assists, while Aaron Nkrumah contributed eight points, five assists and two blocks.
Defensively, the Tigers disrupted Eastern Illinois throughout the contest, blocking eight shots as a team. Nkrumah, Harper II, Williams and Antoine Lorick III each recorded multiple defensive stops as TSU held the Panthers to 38.7 percent shooting in the second half.
How It Happened
Eastern Illinois (6-10, 3-3) jumped out to a fast start, using efficient shooting and transition baskets to build a 33-13 advantage midway through the first half. Tennessee State responded with an 8-0 run and continued to chip away before heading into halftime down 42-33.
The Tigers opened the second half with renewed energy, narrowing the gap to single digits before London sparked a late push. His three-pointer with 8:31 remaining capped a 5-0 run and pulled TSU within 59-57.
Eastern Illinois answered with timely baskets down the stretch and went 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in the final 14 seconds to seal the win.
Game Notes
» Tennessee State received 34 points from its bench, led by Khalil London (23) and Carlous Williams (11).
» London's 23 points marked a game-high performance.
» The Tigers totaled eight blocked shots on the defensive end.
» Tennessee State grabbed 11 offensive rebounds and finished with 35 total boards.
» Dante Harris led TSU with eight rebounds and seven assists.
» TSU outscored Eastern Illinois 37-32 in the second half after trailing by nine at halftime.
