Tennessee State Men's Basketball Aims to Extend Win Streak

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  After a brief one game homestand, the Tennessee State men's basketball team hits the road once again for a contest against Alabama A&M on Dec. 1 in Huntsville, Ala.

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.

 

TSU v. Alabama A&M Game Notes

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION