OPENING TIP: Tennessee State continues its four-game road swing this week as the Tigers travel to Illinois for matchups at Western Illinois on Thursday and Eastern Illinois on Saturday. TSU enters the trip riding the momentum of an 84-79 road win at Little Rock, while Western Illinois looks to snap a four-game losing streak. With the victory over Little Rock, Tennessee State reached nine wins at its fastest pace since the 2022–23 season.
The Matchup:
Tennessee State (9-5, 3-1) vs. Western Illinois (4-11, 0-4)
Date/Time: Thursday, January 8 at 7:30 PM
Location: Macomb, Ill. | Western Hall
TV: ESPN+
SERIES INFORMATION VS. WESTERN ILLINOIS: TSU leads the all-time series 6-2 after sweeping the Leathernecks last season.
TRIPLE TRAV'S WEEKLY HONOR: Travis Harper II was named Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Week after leading the Tigers to a pair of road victories and a 3-1 start in league play. A 6-foot-6 redshirt senior from Columbus, Ga., Harper averaged 25.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 55.2 percent from the field, 57.1 percent from 3-point range and a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line. He tied the Tennessee State single-game record with nine 3-pointers and scored 29 points in an 88-76 win at Tennessee Tech, then followed with 21 points, eight rebounds, three steals and a block in an 84-79 victory at Little Rock. Harper currently leads the OVC in scoring at 17.1 points per game.
LITTLE ROCK BY THE NUMBERS:
5: Aaron Nkrumah recorded five steals, sparking TSU's transition game and sealing the win late with defensive pressure.
8: The Tigers' largest lead was eight points, showcasing their ability to create separation at key moments.
9: Antoine Lorick III finished with nine rebounds, anchoring TSU inside and creating second-chance opportunities.
17: TSU scored 17 fast-break points, capitalizing on transition opportunities and pushing the tempo.
18: The Tigers tallied 18 second-chance points, controlling the glass and making extra possessions count.
21: Travis Harper II scored 21 points, attacking the basket and knocking down timely shots to fuel Tennessee State's second-half surge.
22: Aaron Nkrumah poured in a team-high 22 points, highlighted by clutch free throws and a game-sealing dunk in the final seconds.
40: Tennessee State won the rebounding battle 40–39, led by Harper II and Lorick III controlling the boards.
50: TSU scored 50 points in the paint, with Lorick III, Harper II, and Nkrumah consistently attacking the rim.
51: The Tigers erupted for 51 second-half points, fueled by Nkrumah's scoring burst and strong interior play from Lorick III.
81: Tennessee State shot 81 percent from the free-throw line (17-of-21), delivering in crucial moments.
