OPENING TIP: Tennessee State continues to build momentum as it opens OVC play this week following a statement road win at Lindenwood, highlighted by elite efficiency and balance on both ends of the floor. The Tigers shot 60.3 percent from the field, scored 56 points in the paint and had three players reach the 20-point mark, led by Travis Harper II's game-high 30 points and Aaron Nkrumah's 22. Dante Harris, who earned his second OVC Player of the Week honor after averaging 19.5 points while shooting 55.2 percent, added 20 points, three assists and three steals against the Lions. TSU now turns its attention to Little Rock, a series in which the Tigers have won four straight, including an 84-79 victory on Jan. 3. Tuesday's scheduled contests against Tennessee Tech have been postponed until Monday, Feb. 2 due to Winter Storm Fern. Little Rock's Saturday matchup against UT Martin was also postponed because of the storm.

The Matchup: 
Tennessee State (13-7, 7-3) vs. Little Rock (9-11, 6-3)
Date/Time: Thursday, January 29 at 7:30 PM
Location: NASHVILLE | Gentry Center
TV: ESPN+ | WSMV 4.2

SERIES INFORMATION VS LITTLE ROCK: TSU leads the all-time series is tied 6-4 following TSU has won the last four games including a season sweep last season and an 84-79 win over the Trojans on Jan.3. 

HARRIS CLAIMS SECOND OVC WEEKLY HONOR: Dante Harris earned OVC recognition after averaging 19.5 points, 3.0 assists, 1.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 55.2 percent from the field. Harris scored 19 points without a turnover against SIUE, then posted 20 points, three assists and three steals in a road win at Lindenwood. Harris ranks second in the OVC in assists (4.2) and sixth in steals (1.95).

LINDENWOOD BY THE NUMBERS

2: Tennessee State committed just two bench points while relying on a tight, efficient rotation to control the game.

3: Tigers had three players score 20 or more points, showcasing balanced offensive firepower.

7: TSU knocked down seven three-pointers while shooting an impressive 50 percent from beyond the arc.

9: Tennessee State forced nine steals, turning defense into easy scoring opportunities.

10: The Tigers scored 10 second-chance points by attacking the glass and extending possessions.

15: Tennessee State built its largest lead of the game at 15 points during the second half.

22: Aaron Nkrumah finished with 22 points on efficient shooting, continuing his strong senior campaign.

30: Travis Harper II poured in a game-high 30 points, leading all scorers and pacing the Tigers offensively.

56: Tennessee State dominated the paint with 56 points inside, overpowering Lindenwood at the rim.

60.3: The Tigers shot 60.3 percent from the field, their most efficient offensive performance of the season.