Nashville Standard

Jr. Clay totaled 34 points, but the Tennessee State men's basketball team fell to the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 91-83 at Ford Center Thursday.

The Tigers (18-14) had two players score in double figures, led by Clay, who secured a double-double with 34 points and 11 rebounds. Dedric Boyd added 10 points and six rebounds and Zion Griffin added seven points.

David Acosta pulled down eight offensive rebounds to pace the Tennessee State offense which grabbed 24 boards and turned them into 16 second-chance points.

The Tennessee State defense was a problem in Thursday's game, forcing 15 Southeast Missouri State turnovers. Those takeaways turned into nine points on the other end of the floor. Clay's three steals led the way individually for the Tigers.

How It Happened

After falling behind 26-22, Tennessee State went on a 7-0 run with 7:20 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Boyd, to take a 29-26 lead. The Tigers then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 35-31.

Southeast Missouri State kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing an 81-69 advantage before Tennessee State went on a 6-0 run, finished off by Clay's jumper, to shrink the deficit to 81-75 with 40 seconds to go in the contest. Southeast Missouri State responded and outscored the Tigers the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 91-83. Tennessee State took care of business in the paint, recording 26 of its 52 points in the lane.

Game Notes

» Jr. Clay notched an impressive double-double for the Tigers with 34 points and 11 rebounds.

» Tennessee State lost despite a 50-40 rebounding advantage.

» The Tennessee State defense forced 15 turnovers

» Tennessee State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 24 offensive boards in the game.

» Jr. Clay led the Tigers with a game-high 34 points.

» David Acosta and Jr. Clay led Tennessee State with 11 rebounds apiece. 

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