Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech Set for In-State Clash

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — In-state foes Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech will meet in a nonconference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at the Hooper Eblen Center.

The Tigers (7-5) visit the Golden Eagles (6-7) in the final tune-up for both programs before beginning Ohio Valley Conference play in January.

Tennessee State enters having split its last four games, most recently falling 91-82 to Southeast Missouri State on Dec. 20. The Tigers are led by guard Travis Harper, who is averaging 14.8 points per game. Harper scored 23 points in the loss to SEMO and has reached double figures in three of his last four outings.

Tennessee Tech looks to rebound from an 86-62 home loss to Tennessee-Martin on Dec. 20. The Golden Eagles had won three straight prior to that defeat. Guard Mekhi Cameron paces the team, coming off a 19-point performance against UT Martin. He has scored in double figures in four of his last five games.

The Tigers have shown resilience on the road this season, securing notable wins at UNLV (63-60) and UNC Asheville (75-73). Tennessee Tech seeks its first win against a Division I opponent with a winning record, having faced a challenging early schedule that included road losses to Kentucky and Georgia.

Historically, Tennessee Tech holds a 78-73 advantage in the all-time series, which dates back to 1948. This contest is the first of two scheduled meetings this season; the teams will play again in Nashville on Jan. 27.

Following this game, Tennessee State opens OVC play at Arkansas-Little Rock on Jan. 3. Tennessee Tech begins its conference slate at home against Arkansas-Little Rock on Jan. 1.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST.