Harper II, Nkrumah, Harris Propel Men’s Basketball to 96-86 Victory Over Lindenwood
Harper II, Nkrumah, and Harris Lead Tennessee State to 96-86 Victory Over Lindenwood
In a thrilling encounter at Robert F. Hyland Arena, the Tennessee State men’s basketball team secured a 96-86 victory against Lindenwood. The match took place on Saturday afternoon, showcasing remarkable performances from key players. Travis Harper II led the charge with 30 points, while Aaron Nkrumah and Dante Harris contributed significantly with 22 and 20 points, respectively.
Game Stats and Highlights
- Final Score: Tennessee State 96, Lindenwood 86
- Date: Saturday
- Location: Robert F. Hyland Arena
- Tennessee State’s Season Record: 13 wins, 7 losses; 7-3 in conference play
Tennessee State demonstrated offensive efficiency, shooting an impressive 60% from the field. An exceptional 56 of their points came from the paint, where they outscored Lindenwood 56-34. Additionally, the team maintained a narrow rebound advantage at 31-27, with Nkrumah and Antoine Lorick III each grabbing six rebounds.
Defensive Efforts
The Tigers’ defense played a crucial role in their victory, forcing Lindenwood into 16 turnovers. Tennessee State capitalized on these errors, scoring 26 points from turnovers. Harris led the team with three steals, supported by Harper II and Lorick III, who each recorded two steals.
Game Progression
After trailing early at 20-18, Tennessee State erupted for a crucial 9-0 run, initiated by a three-pointer from Harris. This surge allowed them to establish a 27-20 lead. The Tigers successfully managed their advantage, heading into halftime up 43-39, largely due to their dominant inside scoring.
Following the break, Tennessee State continued to extend their lead to 65-59. A strategic 6-0 run, capped off by a Nkrumah three-pointer, widened the lead to 71-59. Although Lindenwood made several attempts to close the gap, the Tigers consistently retaliated with timely answers, including thrilling transition dunks from Harper II.
Key Takeaways
- Three Tennessee State players surpassed the 20-point mark.
- Team shot 50% from three-point range, making 7 of 14 attempts.
- Tennessee State dominated the second half, never trailing.
- Major contributors combined for 75% of the team’s total points.
The victory illustrates Tennessee State’s strong offensive capability and resilience. With this performance, the Tigers continue to build momentum in their season.
