Tennessee State Tigers Defeat Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 88-76
Tuesday, December 30, 2025, 8:55 PM ET · Hooper Eblen Center
Tennessee State Tigers 88, Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 76, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Tennessee State Tigers vs Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles?
Tennessee State Tigers beat Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 88-76 at Hooper Eblen Center on December 30, 2025.
Who was favored in Tennessee State Tigers vs Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles?
Tennessee State Tigers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -115 (about 53% implied). The favorite won.
In an exciting matchup at the Hooper Eblen Center, the Tennessee State Tigers triumphed over the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles with a final score of 88-76. This victory not only showcases the Tigers' ability to perform on the road but also highlights their competitive edge in the NCAAB league this season.
The Tennessee State Tigers entered this game with an away record of 8-5 and had been performing well recently, with a record of 6-4 over their last ten games. However, they were coming off a loss against the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, where they fell 82-91. Prior to that setback, the Tigers had secured wins against teams like the UT Martin Skyhawks and UNLV Rebels. Their average scoring in recent games was 77.5 points, with a near-even average of 77.6 points allowed, indicating a balanced offensive and defensive performance.
On the other hand, the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, with a home record of 6-8, had a mixed performance in their last ten games, finishing with a 5-5 record. They were also coming off a loss, having been defeated by the UT Martin Skyhawks 62-86. The Golden Eagles averaged 78.3 points scored but struggled defensively, allowing an average of 80.7 points in those games. This inconsistency in defense proved detrimental in their matchup against the Tigers.
Both teams had faced each other previously in the 2025 season, splitting their two encounters. The Golden Eagles had won the first game 77-74 at home on February 22, while the Tigers had claimed victory in the earlier meeting on January 24, winning 89-77 at home. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams were eager to assert dominance in their rivalry.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams were expected to field their best players, which contributed to the competitive nature of the game. The odds provided by DraftKings indicated a close contest, with the Tigers favored by 1.5 points and a total set at 155.5 points. The spread reflected the tight competition between the two teams, suggesting that the matchup was anticipated to be closely contested.
As the game progressed, the Tigers demonstrated their offensive prowess, particularly in the second half. Key scoring plays included a 23-foot three-point jumper by Aaron Nkrumah, which helped extend their lead, and a series of driving layups by Antoine Lorick III that showcased the Tigers' ability to penetrate the Golden Eagles' defense. The Tigers' ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities was evident as they built a significant lead, pushing the score to 88-74 before the Golden Eagles managed to score again.
The conditions in the Hooper Eblen Center were conducive to an exciting basketball atmosphere, with fans supporting their teams passionately. The Tigers' performance was marked by effective teamwork and strategic plays, which ultimately led them to victory.
Overall, the Tigers' win over the Golden Eagles not only improved their record but also solidified their status as a formidable opponent in the league. The Golden Eagles will need to regroup and address their defensive issues as they continue their season, while the Tigers will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TNST -1.5 | 155.5 o -108 / u -112 | Tennessee State Tigers -115 · Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles -105 |
Leaders
- PointsJaJuan Nicholls19Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles
- AssistsMalik Ferguson3Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles
- ReboundsJaJuan Nicholls5Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles
- PointsTravis Harper II29Tennessee State Tigers
- AssistsDante Harris9Tennessee State Tigers
- ReboundsJalen Pitre15Tennessee State Tigers
Recent form
Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles
Last 10: 5-5Streak L178.3 scored · 80.7 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L62-86vs UT Martin SkyhawksDec 20
- W85-74vs Southeast Missouri State RedhawksDec 19
- W101-69vs Bethel (TN) WildcatsDec 13
- W87-59at West Georgia WolvesDec 6
- L80-83at Lipscomb BisonsDec 3
- L81-123at Georgia BulldogsNov 29
- L54-104at Kentucky WildcatsNov 27
- W88-84at South Carolina Upstate SpartansNov 20
- L59-61vs West Georgia WolvesNov 18
- W86-64vs Berea MountaineersNov 14
Tennessee State Tigers
Last 10: 6-4Streak L177.5 scored · 77.6 allowed per game3-3 away
- L82-91vs Southeast Missouri State RedhawksDec 20
- W78-71vs UT Martin SkyhawksDec 19
- W63-60at UNLV RebelsDec 14
- L53-80at Alabama A&M BulldogsDec 4
- W70-64at Chattanooga MocsNov 30
- W98-77vs Tennessee Wesleyan BulldogsNov 29
- W75-73at UNC Asheville BulldogsNov 25
- L60-89at Tennessee VolunteersNov 21
- L82-95at Western Kentucky HilltoppersNov 16
- W114-76vs Oakwood AmbassadorsNov 12
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee State | 23-10 | - | 15-5 |
| Morehead State | 20-13 | - | 15-5 |
| Southeast Missouri State | 20-13 | 1 | 14-6 |
| UT Martin | 22-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| SIU Edwardsville | 19-13 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Lindenwood | 18-15 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Little Rock | 12-20 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Tennessee Tech | 13-18 | 6 | 8-12 |
| Eastern Illinois | 13-20 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Southern Indiana | 7-23 | 11 | 4-16 |
| Western Illinois | 5-26 | 14 | 1-19 |
| East Tennessee State | 23-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Mercer | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Wofford | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Samford | 18-14 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Furman | 22-13 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Western Carolina | 15-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| UNC Greensboro | 15-19 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Chattanooga | 13-19 | 6 | 7-11 |
| The Citadel | 11-22 | 6 | 7-11 |
| VMI | 6-26 | 12 | 1-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Tennessee State Tigers | Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 34-70 | 30-57 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 14-26 | 7-21 |
| Three-point % | 54 | 33 |
| Free throws | 6-7 | 9-13 |
| Free throw % | 86 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 22 |
| Assists | 24 | 20 |
| Steals | 13 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 23 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 22 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 44 |
| Fouls | 15 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 21 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 83 | 15 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half50-38Dani Pounds makes layup
- 2nd Half52-38Jalen Pitre makes layup (Dante Harris assists)
- 2nd Half52-40Ty Owens makes 11-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half54-40Antoine Lorick III makes 2-foot dunk (Jalen Pitre assists)
- 2nd Half54-41Brandon Muntu makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half57-41Aaron Nkrumah makes 23-foot three point jumper (Travis Harper II assists)
- 2nd Half57-43Dani Pounds makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half60-43Travis Harper II makes 25-foot three point jumper (Aaron Nkrumah assists)
- 2nd Half60-45Malik Ferguson makes layup (Ty Owens assists)
- 2nd Half61-45JC Brooks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-45JC Brooks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-47JaJuan Nicholls makes layup
- 2nd Half65-47Travis Harper II makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dante Harris assists)
- 2nd Half65-49Malik Ferguson makes driving layup (Dani Pounds assists)
- 2nd Half68-49Travis Harper II makes 23-foot three point jumper (Damon Howard Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half69-49Travis Harper II makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half69-51JaJuan Nicholls makes 2-foot dunk (Ty Owens assists)
- 2nd Half71-51Damon Howard Jr. makes driving layup (Aaron Nkrumah assists)
- 2nd Half71-53JaJuan Nicholls makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot (Jah'Kim Payne assists)
- 2nd Half74-53Antoine Lorick III makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jalen Pitre assists)
- 2nd Half74-54Ja'Quavian Florence makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-56Grant Slatten makes layup (Mekhi Turner assists)
- 2nd Half74-58Mekhi Turner makes driving layup (Jah'Kim Payne assists)
- 2nd Half76-58Kavien Jones makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot (Aaron Nkrumah assists)
- 2nd Half76-61Mekhi Cameron makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jah'Kim Payne assists)
- 2nd Half78-61Dante Harris makes driving layup (Aaron Nkrumah assists)
- 2nd Half78-62Grant Slatten makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-63Grant Slatten makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-63Dante Harris makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half80-64Mekhi Turner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-66Jah'Kim Payne makes driving layup (Ja'Quavian Florence assists)
- 2nd Half80-67Jah'Kim Payne makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half80-69Mekhi Turner makes 1-foot dunk (Grant Slatten assists)
- 2nd Half80-71JaJuan Nicholls makes driving layup (Ja'Quavian Florence assists)
- 2nd Half83-71Aaron Nkrumah makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dante Harris assists)
- 2nd Half85-71Antoine Lorick III makes driving layup (Dante Harris assists)
- 2nd Half86-71Antoine Lorick III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half86-74Mekhi Cameron makes 25-foot three pointer (Grant Slatten assists)
- 2nd Half88-74Jalen Pitre makes 7-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half88-76Mekhi Turner makes 0-foot tip in layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, below favours Tennessee State Tigers.
Venue
- Hooper Eblen CenterCookeville, TN
- Attendance1273
- OfficialsJason Baker, Chris Hudson, Jabir Walker
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond