Tennessee State's Antoine Lorick III stole the show at the Gentry Center, scoring 24 points to propel his team to a 77-68 win over Eastern Illinois. The Tigers' victory was predicted by CHD Scout, who forecasted a 9.3-point margin of victory - a prophecy that proved accurate, as Tennessee State ultimately won by 9 points.
At halftime, Tennessee State held a slim 33-30 lead, but they pulled away in the second half, outscoring Eastern Illinois 44-38. Aaron Nkrumah was a key contributor for the Tigers, adding 23 points and 5 rebounds to the effort. Meanwhile, Dante Harris played a crucial role in facilitating the offense, dishing out 10 assists to go along with his 7 points.
Eastern Illinois, on the other hand, was led by Kooper Jacobi, who tallied 15 points and 6 rebounds. Meechie White and Markus Blackwell also made significant contributions, scoring 15 and 12 points, respectively. Despite these efforts, the Panthers were unable to overcome the Tigers' balanced attack.
The game unfolded with both teams trading baskets in the first half, but Tennessee State's superior depth and athleticism ultimately took its toll on Eastern Illinois. As the second half wore on, the Tigers' lead grew, and they were able to maintain a comfortable margin late.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
This win marks a significant milestone for Tennessee State, as it improves their record to 15-8. While the victory may not have been an upset, it is still an important result for the Tigers, who are seeking to bolster their resume. In terms of tournament implications, this game was classified as a Quadrant 4 contest for Tennessee State, meaning that a loss would have been particularly damaging to their postseason hopes. By avoiding such a defeat, the Tigers have preserved their chances of earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
For Eastern Illinois, the loss drops their record to 9-15, and it represents a missed opportunity to secure a Quadrant 3 win. As the Panthers look to the remainder of their schedule, they must focus on notching more impressive victories if they hope to make a push for the postseason.
In the end, Tennessee State's strong performance, led by Lorick III's 24 points, has given them a crucial win that will look good on their resume. As the Tigers continue to navigate their schedule, they will aim to build on this momentum and make a strong case for tournament inclusion. With this result, they have taken a step in the right direction, and their prospects for the postseason remain intact.