NASHVILLE — The Tennessee State men’s basketball team finished with three players in double figures and pulled away late in an 81-71 win over Alabama A&M on Saturday evening at the Gentry Center. 

The Tigers (2-3) were led by Brandon Weston, who had 25 points, nine rebounds and three steals. Carlous Williams tacked on 15 points and two steals and Justus Jackson helped out with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Jackson pulled down three offensive rebounds to pace the Tennessee State offense which grabbed 13 boards and turned them into 15 second chance points.

Tennessee State’s defense held Alabama A&M to only 15.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 35.5 percent from the field.

How It Happened

After playing to a 25-25 tie, Tennessee State went on a 5-0 run with 6:05 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Ronald Jessamy, to take a 30-25 lead. The Tigers then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 38-36 advantage. Tennessee State got a great contribution from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 12 of its 38 total points.

Tennessee State kept its lead intact before going on a 10-0 run to grow the lead to 70-58 with 4:48 to go in the contest. The Bulldogs narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Tigers still cruised the rest of the way for the 81-71 win. Tennessee State took care of business in the paint, recording 24 of its 43 points in the lane.

Game Notes

» The Tigers held the Bulldogs to only 35.5 percent shooting from the field.

» Tennessee State had a great day defensively, holding Alabama A&M to 16 percent from beyond the arc on 19 attempts.

» The Tennessee State defense forced 17 turnovers.

» The Tigers were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording seven blocks as a team.

» Tennessee State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.

» Brandon Weston led the Tigers with a game-high 25 points.

» Tennessee State got a game-high nine rebounds from Brandon Weston.

Up Next

» TSU hosts East-West on Tuesday at 6 p..m.