Tennessee State secured a 73-67 win over Southern Indiana at the Gentry Center, driven by a standout performance from Aaron Nkrumah. The forward posted an impressive double-double, scoring 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to lead his team to victory. Nkrumah's dominant effort was complemented by Antoine Lorick III, who contributed 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Travis Harper II, who added 11 points to the tally.
The game was closely contested, with Tennessee State taking a 38-33 lead into halftime. Southern Indiana's Amaree Brown kept his team within striking distance, scoring 20 points and pulling down 5 rebounds. Cardell Bailey also had a strong outing for Southern Indiana, posting 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Ismail Habib chipped in with 12 points. Despite their best efforts, Southern Indiana was unable to overcome Tennessee State's balanced attack.
Tennessee State's victory was built on a strong team performance, with multiple players making significant contributions. The Tigers' ability to share the ball and create scoring opportunities was a key factor in their win. Southern Indiana, on the other hand, struggled to contain Nkrumah and the Tennessee State offense, ultimately falling short by a margin of 6 points.
The outcome of this game has implications for both teams' resumes. For Tennessee State, the win represents a Quadrant 4 victory, which may not significantly boost their tournament chances but helps to pad their overall record. The Tigers now sit at 13-7 on the season, with a net ranking of 216. Southern Indiana, meanwhile, absorbs a Quadrant 3 loss, which is not overly damaging but does little to enhance their postseason prospects. The Screaming Eagles' record falls to 5-15, with a net ranking of 331.
In the context of their respective seasons, this result is more of a routine win for Tennessee State than a statement victory. However, Nkrumah's performance is certainly worth noting, as it highlights his growing importance to the team. As the season progresses, Tennessee State want to build on this win and continue to improve their position in the standings. For Southern Indiana, the focus will be on regrouping and preparing for their next challenge, as they seek to turn their season around and make a push for a stronger finish. The win for Tennessee State solidifies their position as a mid-tier team, while Southern Indiana's loss keeps them near the bottom of the rankings, making their path to a potential tournament bid increasingly difficult.