EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — Despite a strong effort on the glass, the Tennessee State men's basketball team couldn't overcome a cold shooting night, falling 74-66 to SIUE on the road Thursday night at First Community Arena.
The Tigers (12-7, 6-3) had four players score in double figures, led by Travis Harper II, who finished with 17 points. Dante Harris added 16 points, while Aaron Nkrumah chipped in 13 points, six rebounds and a team-high three steals.
Antoine Lorick III anchored Tennessee State on the boards with a game-high 10 rebounds, including four on the offensive end, as the Tigers outrebounded SIUE 40-35. Tennessee State turned its 21 offensive rebounds into 17 second-chance points but struggled to convert consistently from the field, shooting 32.8 percent overall.
The Tennessee State defense was active throughout the contest, forcing 13 SIUE turnovers while committing just seven of its own. Those takeaways led to 14 points for the Tigers, with Nkrumah setting the tone defensively with three steals.
How It Happened
After falling behind 19-16, Tennessee State went on a 7-0 run with 11:53 left in the first half, capped by a bucket from Khalil London, to take a 23-19 lead. The Tigers shared the ball well and pushed the tempo, scoring 10 fast-break points in the opening period. SIUE answered late, however, knotting the game at 34-34 heading into halftime.
SIUE built momentum early in the second half and opened up a 66-57 lead before Tennessee State mounted a late push. The Tigers used a 5-0 run to cut the deficit to 66-62 with 2:39 remaining, getting to the free-throw line and creating second-chance opportunities. SIUE responded down the stretch, converting at the line and closing out the game to secure the 74-66 win. Tennessee State added 13 second-chance points in the second half as part of 32 points in the paint for the game.
Game Notes
» Tennessee State lost despite a 40-35 rebounding advantage.
» The Tigers finished with 21 offensive rebounds, resulting in 17 second-chance points.
» Tennessee State forced 13 turnovers and converted them into 14 points.
» Travis Harper II led all Tigers with 17 points.
» Antoine Lorick III grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds, while Aaron Nkrumah added six to go along with three steals.
