NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — A surging Tennessee-Martin squad looks to continue its strong non-conference start when it visits in-state foe Tennessee State in a men’s basketball matchup on Thursday, Dec. 18.

The game at Howard Gentry Complex pits two Ohio Valley Conference members in a final tune-up before league play begins in January. The Skyhawks (8-3) have won six of their last seven, including a dominant 96-52 victory over Champion Christian on Sunday. The Tigers (6-4) are coming off a notable 63-60 road win at UNLV last Saturday.

Tennessee-Martin’s success has been fueled by efficient offense, scoring 73 or more points in seven of its eight wins. A key variable is guard AJ Hopkins, who erupted for 21 points in 25 minutes off the bench in the last outing. His production has been inconsistent, however, following a three-minute, scoreless performance in a loss at Southern Illinois on Dec. 10.

Tennessee State counters with its own reliable scorer in Travis Harper. The guard has been a consistent force, averaging 15.4 points over his last five games. He posted 12 points in the win at UNLV and had 17 points in a close loss at Tennessee last month. His backcourt leadership will be crucial against the Skyhawks’ attack.

The Tigers have shown resilience, with their four losses coming against high-major Tennessee, Belmont, and on the road at Alabama A&M and Western Kentucky. Their defense, which held UNLV to 60 points, will be tested by a deep Skyhawk rotation that saw Lamine Niang (16 points) and Pedro Santos (12 points) also shine last game.

This contest serves as a final major non-conference test for both programs. Tennessee-Martin visits Tennessee Tech on Saturday, while Tennessee State hosts Southeast Missouri State the same day to open OVC play. Thursday’s in-state clash offers momentum and a potential early-season statement within the conference footprint.