Tennessee State secured a 70-63 victory over Little Rock at the Gentry Center, with Aaron Nkrumah putting on a show. The junior sensation filled the stat sheet with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, leading the Tigers to their 14th win of the season. Nkrumah's impressive performance was complemented by Travis Harper II, who chipped in 16 points and 8 rebounds, and Carlous Williams, who added 14 points.
The game got off to a fast-paced start, with Little Rock taking a 35-30 lead into halftime. However, Tennessee State regrouped and outscored the Trojans 40-28 in the second half, thanks in large part to Nkrumah's dominant play. Johnathan Lawson was the top performer for Little Rock, scoring 16 points, while Cameron Wallace and Braxton Bayless each contributed 13 points.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Tennessee State winning by 9.7 points, and although the margin was slightly narrower, the predicted winner was correct. The actual score of 70-63 was a far cry from the predicted 80-70, but the outcome was the same. Tennessee State's victory was a reflection of their resilience and ability to adapt to different opponents.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The win has real consequences for Tennessee State's tournament resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 4 victory. While not the most impressive win, it is still a valuable addition to their portfolio. On the other hand, the loss drops Little Rock to 9-12 on the season, and the Quadrant 3 defeat does little to bolster their own tournament hopes.
As the season enters its final stretch, Tennessee State want to build on this momentum and continue to strengthen their resume. With a current net ranking of 217, they still have work to do to become a serious tournament contender. However, with performances like Nkrumah's, they have the talent and depth to make a push. For Little Rock, the focus will shift to regrouping and preparing for their next challenge, as they strive to climb out of the 300s in the net rankings.
The outcome of this game may not have been a surprise, but the manner in which Tennessee State secured the win was impressive. Nkrumah's star performance and the team's ability to overcome a halftime deficit will undoubtedly give them confidence as they move forward. As the tournament picture begins to take shape, Tennessee State want to continue their winning ways and make a case for a postseason berth.