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NASHVILLE – Tennessee State shot 50 percent from 3-point range as the Tigers picked up a 79-72 win over Eastern Illinois in a game broadcast on ESPNU. TSU improved to 8-10, 5-4 in the OVC while EIU dropped to 2-17, 1-10 in the OVC.
After shooting 6-of-14 from 3-point land in the first 20 minutes, Tennessee State knocked down 6-of-10 in the second half. The Tigers used the 3-pointer to pace a 16-2 run to open the second half which turned a one point game at the half into a 50-37 Tiger lead with 13:19 left in the game.
The Panthers were able to get to the free throw line in the first half and take advantage of some play in the post. After scoring 10 first half points, Ousmane Cisse was limited to only second half bucket to finish with 12 points.
Jon'Tee Willhite played hard to keep EIU in the game as he scored a team-high 19 points as he made a couple of driving lay-ups to cut the TSU lead to under ten points on a couple of occasions.
Bruce Price came alive for TSU in the second half and twice ended EIU runs with big baskets on the other end as he scored 20 points for TSU. Gerald Robinson also added 20 for the Tigers.
EIU and TSU played two contrasting styles in the first half as the Panthers pounded the ball down low with some success while the Tigers were able to bomb away from the outside.
Cisse hit double figures in the first half with 10 points, his first double digit scoring day of the season. Bobby Catchings also had 10 in the first half. Both players help spark a late 9-0 EIU run that gave the Panthers a 35-34 half time lead.
TSU was 6-of-14 from 3-point land in the opening 20 minutes as Robinson was 3-of-6 from beyond the arc for 15 points. LaDarious Weaver also had two first half 3's.
Catchings finished with 18 for the Panthers while Willhite just missed a double-double with nine rebounds. Weaver finished with 15 points for TSU which converted on 34 points on 19 EIU turnovers.
Eastern Illinois will return to action next Saturday as Morehead State visits Lantz Arena for a 7:15 p.m. tip.
