The
Tigers made the most of their first time in Nashville this season, defeating
Fisk by the largest margin since the 1998-99 season, 93-52.
"It
was really important, especially when you have been on the road for six games,
for our players to re-gain some confidence, stay focused and play well in front
of the home crowd," Head Coach Travis
Williams said about the big home win.
It
was a big night for TSU's post players, especially seniors Robert
Covington and Kellen
Thornton, as Covington had a season-high 29 points and 14 rebounds
while Thornton chipped in with 22 points of his own. The duo combined to shoot
21-27 from the field and helped the Tigers edge the Bulldogs 45-28 on the
glass.
"It
is very important to establish an inside presence if your team is going to be
successful," Williams said. "[Covington and Thornton] give us that
dynamic."
TSU
is deep in the front-court, but the squad also features one of the premier point
guards in the Ohio Valley Conference in Patrick
Miller.
Miller has done it all for the Tigers this
season, tallying 10.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest. He also ranks first
in the OVC in both assists and steals per game with 6.9 and 2.7,
respectively.
TSU's opponent, Alabama A&M comes into the
game with a 2-3 record, having just lost to Evansville on Monday night by 26
points.
The
Bulldogs feature two players who average ten points or more in Demarquelle Tabb
(10.8) and Brandon Ellis (10.0). Tabb also leads the squad with 8.8 rebounds per
contest.
Alabama A&M holds a 37 shooting
percentage this season, while allowing opponents to drain 47 percent of their
shots. The Bulldogs do, however, play a physical and fast-paced style that has
allowed them to force 86 turnovers on the year.
"Alabama A&M plays hard and pushes the ball
in transition," Williams said. "We expect their guards and forwards to use their
athleticism and play aggressive.
"The
main thing for us is focusing on what we need to do while making good decisions
and taking good shots."
The
Tigers square off against the Bulldogs on Saturday night at 7 p.m. and fans can
follow the action here.
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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