MACOMB, Ill. — Travis Harper II scored a game-high 23 points as Tennessee State never trailed and smothered Western Illinois from the perimeter, holding the Leathernecks to just 1-for-12 shooting from three-point range in a 90-68 road victory Thursday night at Western Hall.

The Tigers (10-5, 4-1 OVC) placed three players in double figures and never trailed in the contest. Travis Harper II led all scorers with 23 points on an efficient 7-for-10 shooting night, knocking down three triples and going a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line. Khalil London provided a spark off the bench with 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting, while Antoine Lorick III chipped in 13 points and five rebounds.

Tennessee State finished the night shooting 55.7 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from beyond the arc, while overwhelming Western Illinois in key areas. The Tigers held a 37-32 advantage on the glass, led by Jalen Pitre's game-high 10 rebounds, and turned 10 offensive boards into 17 second-chance points. TSU also controlled the paint, outscoring the Leathernecks 50-40 inside.

Defensively, the Tigers limited Western Illinois to 38.2 percent shooting overall and forced 14 turnovers, turning those miscues into easy scoring opportunities.

How It Happened

Tennessee State set the tone early, jumping out to an 18-14 lead before ripping off a 6-0 run with 9:44 remaining in the first half to push the advantage to double digits at 24-14. The Tigers continued to apply pressure and closed the half on a strong note, taking a 42-28 lead into the break. TSU did most of its damage in the paint during the opening period, scoring 26 of its 42 first-half points near the basket.

After halftime, Tennessee State continued to widen the gap, building the lead to 65-49 before unleashing a decisive 7-0 run to extend the margin to 72-49 with 9:11 remaining. Western Illinois trimmed the deficit briefly, but the Tigers responded with steady offense and stifling defense, cruising the rest of the way to seal the 22-point victory. Tennessee State added 24 of its 48 second-half points in the paint to close out the game.

Game Notes
» Tennessee State shot 41.2 percent (7-for-17) from three-point range.
» The Tigers held Western Illinois to 38.2 percent shooting from the field.
» Tennessee State never trailed in the contest.
» TSU limited the Leathernecks to just one made three-pointer on 12 attempts.
» The Tennessee State bench accounted for 35 points.
» The Tigers held a 37-32 rebounding advantage.
» Tennessee State grabbed 10 offensive rebounds, converting them into 17 second-chance points.
» Travis Harper II scored a game-high 23 points.
» Jalen Pitre pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.