TSU Men's Basketball Accepts CIT Invitation; Hosts Ball State in First Round on Tuesday

TENNESSEE STATE (20-10)
vs. BALL STATE (19-13)
CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament First Round
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 | 7 p.m.
Gentry Center | Nashville, Tenn.

POSTSEASON GUIDE: TENNESSEE STATE
GAME NOTES: TENNESSEE STATE | BALL STATE
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee – For the first time in the program’s Division I history, the Tennessee State men’s basketball team wiWll host a postseason tournament game as the Tigers will play the first round of the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament on Tuesday, March 15, at 7 p.m. at the Gentry Center versus Ball State. 

 

“I’m truly pleased that our men’s basketball team will have the opportunity to play in the postseason after what was a very successful year tying our D-1 record with 20 wins,” TSU Director of Athletics Teresa Phillips said. “Actually hosting the game in the Gentry Center will be special. I’m calling for all alumni, students and supporters to show their ‘Blue’ on Tuesday to show this team their support.”

 

TSU, which is 20-10 on the season, has reached the 20-win mark for the third time at the Division I level (1978-79 and 2011-12). With an 11-2 home record, the Tigers have also tied the record for most wins in a season at the Gentry Center, which opened prior to the 1980-81 season.

 

“We are very thankful for the opportunity to participate in this year’s CIT," TSU Head Coach Dana Ford said. "We are excited that our seniors will get the chance to continue their final season here at Tennessee State University. This postseason invitation is a true testament of the hard work and dedication that our players and staff have put forth in bringing back excitement to TSU basketball.”

 

The CIT will feature a 32-team field with all 31 games set to be played at campus sites. The first round of the CIT will take place March 14th-16th followed by the second round March 18th-20th with the Quarterfinals March 22nd-24th. The Semifinals on March 27th will broadcast on CBS Sports Network along with the Championship Game on March 29th. Additionally, all games will be streamed lived on SIDEARM Sports.

 

Tennessee State will be making its third appearance in the CIT after falling to Mercer in 2012 and Evansville in 2013. Overall, it will be the program’s fifth postseason appearance at the D-1 level with trips to the NCAA Tournament in 1993 and 1994.

 

Ball State enters the CIT with a 19-13 overall record under the direction of former Arizona assistant James Whitford, who is in his third season as head coach in Muncie, Ind. Hailing from the Mid-American Conference, the Cardinals earned the sixth seed in the MAC Tournament before falling to Miami (Ohio) in the opening round. The Ball State offense features three players averaging double figures including Franko House and his 12.5 points per game.

 

TSU has faced Ball State twice, beating the Cardinals during the 2005-06 season and the 2006-07 season.

 

For tickets, please visit the TSU Ticket Office located on the first floor of the Gentry Center or call (615) 963-5841.

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION