Next Game:
vs. Winner of #3 SEMO vs #2 Morehead State
3/7/2026 | 8:00 PM
ESPN2
Mar. 07 (Sat) / 8:00 PM
vs. Winner of #3 SEMO vs #2 Morehead State
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The top-seeded Tennessee State men’s basketball team advanced in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament with a 68-55 semifinal victory over UT Martin on Friday night at the Ford Center. The Tigers controlled the game for most of the night, using balanced scoring, strong rebounding and efficient perimeter shooting to move to 22-9 on the season and earn a berth in the OVC Championship Game.
In addition to Lorick III’s double-double, the Tigers (22-9) were led by Aaron Nkrumah, who had 19 points, four assists and three steals, and by Travis Harper II, who added 14 points.
The Tennessee State offense was very productive from deep, pouring in nine threes on 22 attempts. Harper II was the most prolific shooter for the Tigers, draining four treys in the contest. As a team, TSU shot 47.3 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from three-point range while knocking down seven of eight free throws.
The Tennessee State defense was a problem in Friday’s game, forcing 14 UT Martin turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 12 points on the offensive end of the floor. Nkrumah’s three steals led the way individually for the Tigers. Tennessee State also controlled the glass, outrebounding UT Martin 37-28 and collecting 13 offensive rebounds that helped create second-chance opportunities.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 28-26 advantage, Tennessee State went on an 8-0 run with 2:47 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Travis Harper II, to increase its lead to 36-26. The Tigers then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 36-28 advantage. Tennessee State relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down seven shots to account for 21 of its 36 points.
Tennessee State kept its lead intact before going on a 6-0 run to grow the lead to 53-39 with 11:27 to go in the contest. The Tigers later pushed the margin to as many as 20 points midway through the second half before the Skyhawks narrowed the margin late. Tennessee State maintained control down the stretch and closed out the 68-55 win.
Game Notes
» Antoine Lorick III notched a double-double for the Tigers with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
» Aaron Nkrumah led Tennessee State with a game-high 19 points while adding four assists and three steals.
» Travis Harper II scored 14 points and hit four three-pointers.
» Tennessee State shot 47.3 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from three-point range.
» The Tigers held UT Martin to 37.5 percent shooting from the field.
» Tennessee State had a 37-28 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Tigers collected 13 offensive rebounds that helped produce second-chance scoring opportunities.
» Tennessee State forced 14 turnovers and converted those into 12 points.
» The Tigers led for 37:36 of the game and built a game-high 20-point advantage in the second half.