SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Ty-Laur Johnson scored 15 points and Deondrea Lindsey added 10, but Tennessee State fell to Murray State 94-64 Monday at the Sanford Pentagon in the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon.
The Tigers (0-1) trailed by 11 at halftime before Murray State shot 66.7 percent from the field in the second half to pull away.
Johnson added four rebounds, four assists and two steals while going 8-of-10 at the free-throw line. Lindsey made all four of his free throws and recorded a steal and a block in his Tennessee State debut.
Christian Alston finished with eight points and a team-high five rebounds. Aaron Bradshaw and Kavien Jones scored seven points apiece and each collected four rebounds. Jayden Jones added six points and four rebounds off the bench, while Arterio Morris contributed six points and four assists.
Tennessee State finished with 11 assists on 17 field goals but shot 30.9 percent overall and committed 26 turnovers. Murray State converted those turnovers into 26 points and held a 50-22 advantage in points in the paint.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Bradshaw knocked down a 3-pointer for Tennessee State's first basket of the season, giving the Tigers an early 3-2 lead. Johnson later connected from beyond the arc to put TSU ahead 6-5.
The teams were tied at 12 before Murray State used a 10-0 run to build a 22-12 advantage with 11:36 remaining in the first half. Tennessee State made four first-half 3-pointers and shot 42.3 percent from the field, but the Racers carried a 46-35 lead into the break.
Murray State extended its advantage after halftime, making 16 of its 24 second-half field-goal attempts. Tennessee State was limited to six field goals in the period.
Trailing 84-54, the Tigers put together a 6-0 run to cut the deficit to 84-60 with 5:25 remaining. The Racers closed the game by outscoring TSU 10-4.
Roman Domon led Murray State (1-0) with 22 points, while Kaden Magwood added 15 off the bench.
GAME NOTES
- Johnson led Tennessee State with 15 points, four assists and two steals.
- Lindsey scored 10 points and went 4-of-4 at the free-throw line.
- Alston led the Tigers with five rebounds, including three on the offensive glass.
- Tennessee State collected 13 offensive rebounds and scored 10 second-chance points.
- Kavien Jones and Alston each grabbed three offensive rebounds.
- The Tigers forced 17 turnovers and converted them into 15 points.
- Tennessee State's bench contributed 18 points.
UP NEXT
Tennessee State hosts East-West in its home opener Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Gentry Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
