MOREHEAD, Ky. – Travis Harper II scored 30 points and Aaron Nkrumah added 20, but the Tennessee State men's basketball team fell to Morehead State 94-86 on the road Saturday afternoon at Johnson Arena.
The Tigers (17-9, 11-5) had three players score in double figures, led by Harper II's game-high 30 points. Nkrumah finished with 20 points, six rebounds and three steals, while Dante Harris recorded 12 points and seven assists.
Tennessee State converted 23-of-61 (38%) from the field and knocked down 8-of-22 (36%) from three-point range while shooting an efficient 32-of-36 (89%) at the free throw line. Harper II made five three-pointers in the contest.
Morehead State shot 32-of-53 (60%) overall and 24-of-35 (69%) inside the arc, scoring 40 points in the paint compared to Tennessee State's 24.
The Tigers forced 14 turnovers while committing just seven and turned those takeaways into 25 points. Tennessee State also held a 22-7 advantage in fast break points and collected 17 second-chance points. Nkrumah's three steals led the defensive effort and Jalen Pitre paced the team with eight rebounds.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 36-35 advantage, Tennessee State went on a 5-0 run with 1:33 left in the first half to increase its lead to 41-35. The Tigers then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 41-37 advantage. Tennessee State got out and ran in the period, scoring 14 points on the break.
Morehead State proceeded to take an 85-68 lead before Tennessee State went on an 11-0 run to shrink the deficit to 85-79 with 2:14 to go in the contest. Morehead State responded and outscored the Tigers the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 94-86. Tennessee State capitalized on seven Morehead State turnovers in the period, collecting 15 points off those turnovers.
Game Notes
» Tennessee State shot 32-of-36 (89%) from the free throw line.
» The Tigers forced 14 turnovers and committed only seven.
» Tennessee State recorded 22 fast-break points and 17 second-chance points.
» Travis Harper II scored a game-high 30 points and Aaron Nkrumah added 20.
» Jalen Pitre led the team with eight rebounds.
