By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Turnovers and second-half shooting slump proved to the difference maker for the Tennessee Tech men's basketball team Saturday evening, as the Tennessee State Tigers (17-7, 8-3) handed the Golden Eagles (17-8, 9-3) an 85-55 loss in the Gentry Center in Nashville.
The Tech offense came out firing on all cylinders, hitting on 10 of its first 12 shots from the field, including a whopping six triples, to take a 16-10 lead. The Tigers kept themselves in the game, however, forcing four turnovers over that span with a suffocating defense.
The Golden Eagles went cold from the field after grabbing their six-point lead, shooting just 3-for-11 to end the half. Tennessee State also forced the Tech offense into eight more turnovers over the remaining portion of the first-half, taking advantage of the Golden Eagle miscues to take a 43-35 lead into the break.
Despite the stifling defense and constant pressure as soon as they crossed halfcourt, both Torrance Rowe and Aleksa Jugovic torched the nets in the first half, combining for 29 of Tech's 35 points. Rowe sank 7-of-12 shots from the field, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, to record 18 points. He also ripped down three rebounds. Jugovic was nearly perfect, hitting on 4-of-5 attempts with a 3-for-4 showing from downtown. He tallied 11 points and added two dimes.
The Tennessee State defense made its job stopping the Tech duo in the second half, and accomplished its goal, holding the two Golden Eagle guards to a combined three points. The Golden Eagles struggled to adjust, connecting on just 20.8 percent of its field goal attempts over the final 20 minutes.
With the Tech offense cold and their own offense heating up, the Tigers took advantage, forcing seven second-half turnovers and using a 22-2 run to take control of the game for good.
On the night, Rowe led all scorers with 19 points while Jugovic ended play with 13. Shirmane Thomas dished out six assists in the contest while hauling in a team-high six rebounds.
Keron DeShields led the Tiger attack, scoring 15 points, while Tahjere McCall added 14 and Xavier Richards and Armani Chaney each chipped in 11.
The Golden Eagles will return to action with a home contest in the Eblen Center Saturday evening, playing host to Ohio Valley Conference rival Jacksonville State in a 7:30 p.m. CST contest as part of doubleheader action with the Tech women's team.
Photo by Tony Marable
