TSU Tigers Clinch Seven Straight with Win over TTU

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - There was no emotional letdown for Tennessee State as the Tigers defeated Tennessee Tech 68-53 in front of 3,650 fans at the Gentry Center Saturday evening.

The Tigers (17-10, 10-4 Ohio Valley) used a pair of second half runs to open up to an 18 point lead late in the game. The win split the season series with the Golden Eagles. Saturday's victory also extended TSU's win streak to seven games, the longest since 1994-95.

In the past two seasons, the Big Blue is 21-3 in the Gentry Center and has captured nine straight over OVC opponents.

Tennessee Tech held a seven point lead early in the first half, but was unable to sustain any momentum. The Tigers forced 25 turnovers, despite being outrebounded 42-to-29. TSU shot 43 percent (23-of-53) from the field and knocked down five triples. Defensively, the Tigers had seven steals and four blocks.

Three TSU student-athletes reached double-figures with Robert Covington leading the way with 16 points. The junior extended his double-digit streak to 26 games, while blocking two shots and dishing out an assist.

Forward Kellen Thornton managed 12 points and seven rebounds in the win. Thornton was 4-of-7 from the field and picked up two steals in 23 minutes.

For the fourth time out of five games, Kenny Moore had double-digits with 11 points and six rebounds. Moore dished out two assists and was 4-of-8 shooting.

Patrick Miller had a spread out stat line - scoring nine points, grabbing seven rebounds, dishing out five assists, notching two steals and blocking a shot in 28 minutes.

Jordan Cyphers and Wil Peters added eight and six points, respectively.

At the half, the Big Blue held a one point lead, 28-27. The Tigers were 11-of-32 from the field. TTU out-rebounded TSU 24-to-14. The Tigers forced 15 turnovers in the first half. Covington and Miller each had six points.

Tennessee Tech jumped out to a 9-2 lead to stat the contest. The Tigers fought back and used a Kellen Thornton triple at 12:46 to a 15-14 advantage.

In the final minutes, Tennessee Tech used a tip-in from Javon McKay to take cut the lead to 28-27 at the break.

TSU led 47-41 in the second half, but reeled off an 11-0 run to extend its' lead to 17. The Tigers never trailed in the final frame and sealed their ninth straight home victory over an OVC opponent.

On Tuesday, Tennessee State looks to split with Jacksonville State after dropping a road contest earlier this year. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Gentry Center.

BOX SCORE 

COURTESY: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION