MACOMB, Ill. (Interstat) — Travis Harper scored 23 points and Tennessee State used a dominant first half to cruise past Western Illinois 90-68 in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Western Hall.

The Tigers, improving to 10-5 overall, seized control early with a 42-point first half while holding the Leathernecks to just 28 points. The 14-point halftime lead proved insurmountable for Western Illinois, which fell to 4-12.

Harper, a 6-foot-6 guard from Columbus, Georgia, was efficient in his 22 minutes, shooting 8 of 12 from the field, including 3 of 6 from three-point range. He added a block and five rebounds. His back-to-back plays midway through the first half typified the Tigers’ control. After blocking an Antwaun Massey shot, Harper secured the defensive rebound and, on the ensuing possession, converted a layup while being fouled. He completed the three-point play and followed it with a three-pointer on the next trip down the floor, part of a personal 8-0 run that stretched the lead.

Tennessee State’s offense operated with precision, posting an offensive rating of 123.4 points per 100 possessions. The Tigers shot 55.7% from the field overall and were particularly effective inside, outscoring Western Illinois 50-40 in the paint. While their three-point shooting was solid at 7 of 17, the defensive pressure on the perimeter was decisive. Western Illinois managed only one three-pointer on 12 attempts, a key factor in their offensive struggles.

Khalil London provided a significant spark off the bench for the Tigers, scoring 15 points in just 17 minutes. The guard from Wyandanch, New York, hit three three-pointers. Antoine Lorick added 13 points and two assists, while Dante Harris distributed four assists.

Western Illinois was led by Isaiah Griffin’s 14 points, though he needed 28 minutes to reach that total. Karyiek Dixon, from Enfield, United Kingdom, scored 10 points, and Lucas Lorenzen and Antwaun Massey each contributed 11 and 12 points, respectively. The Leathernecks relied heavily on free throws, making 25 of 34, but their 38.2% shooting from the field and frigid long-range performance prevented any sustained comeback attempt.

The most important sequence of the game occurred in the opening minutes of the second half, effectively extinguishing any lingering hope for the home team. After Western Illinois’ Lucas Lorenzen hit the team’s only three-pointer to cut the deficit to 31-28, Tennessee State responded with a decisive 13-2 run. Harper ignited the surge with a three-pointer, then finished an alley-oop dunk from Harris. After a Western Illinois timeout failed to stop the momentum, Harper struck again from deep, pushing the lead to 44-30. The Tigers’ lead ballooned to 22 points within six minutes of the half and never dipped below 16 points the rest of the way.

Tennessee State’s defense was active throughout, matching Western Illinois with nine steals and forcing 11 turnovers, which they converted into 14 points. The Tigers also won the battle in transition, holding a 9-7 edge in fastbreak points.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 718, saw Tennessee State cover the pregame spread as 6.5-point favorites. The combined score of 158 points went over the posted total of 145.5.

Tennessee State looks to continue its conference success when it travels to face Eastern Illinois on Saturday. Western Illinois will aim to regroup at home against Tennessee Tech, also on Saturday.