Tennessee Tech pulled off a stunning upset at the Gentry Center, taking down Tennessee State 90-85 in a game that will be remembered for its significance. The Golden Eagles, ranked 330 in the net rankings, came into the contest as heavy underdogs, with CHD Scout predicting a 11.3-point victory for Tennessee State. However, Mekhi Cameron and his teammates had other plans, defying the odds and handing the Tigers a devastating loss.
The Golden Eagles came out hot, taking a 46-31 lead into halftime. Mekhi Cameron was unstoppable, scoring 23 points and grabbing 9 rebounds to lead the charge. Tennessee State's Aaron Nkrumah did his best to keep the Tigers in the game, scoring 21 points and pulling down 7 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Golden Eagles' balanced attack. Brandon Muntu and Dani Pounds chipped in with 16 and 15 points, respectively, to help Tennessee Tech maintain their lead throughout the second half.
Despite a late push from Tennessee State, which saw them outscore the Golden Eagles 54-44 in the second half, Tennessee Tech held on for the 5-point victory. Travis Harper II and Dante Harris added 19 and 16 points, respectively, for the Tigers, but their efforts were ultimately in vain. The loss is a significant blow to Tennessee State's tournament chances, particularly given the Quadrant 4 nature of the defeat.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The implications of this upset cannot be overstated. Tennessee State, ranked 219 in the net rankings, was expected to cruise to an easy victory, but instead, they find themselves on the wrong end of a major upset. The loss will undoubtedly hurt the Tigers' resume, and they must regroup quickly to stay on track for a potential tournament bid. On the other hand, Tennessee Tech's victory is a massive boost to their own resume, even if it is considered a Quadrant 3 win. The Golden Eagles want to build on this momentum as they continue their season.
In the end, Tennessee Tech's upset victory over Tennessee State will be remembered as one of the biggest surprises of the season. The Golden Eagles' ability to defy the odds and take down a higher-ranked opponent is a reflection of their resilience and determination. As for Tennessee State, they must bounce back quickly from this stunning loss and refocus on their tournament goals. The loss may have real consequences for their tournament chances, and they must work hard to recover from this setback.