ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Tennessee State’s long-awaited return to the NCAA Tournament came to an end Friday night, as the No. 15-seeded Tigers fell to No. 2 seed Iowa State, 108-74, in a Midwest Region first-round matchup at Enterprise Center.
Despite the loss, the game marked Tennessee State’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1994, capping off a strong season for the Tigers, who finished with a 23-10 record.
Tennessee State was led by Aaron Nkrumah, who scored 21 points while adding six rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Antoine Lorick III contributed 20 points and eight rebounds, while also recording three blocks. Travis Harper II added 13 points and three steals, and Dante Harris chipped in 11 points and four assists, giving the Tigers four players in double figures.
The Tigers showed flashes of competitiveness throughout the game, particularly on the offensive glass and in the paint. Tennessee State pulled down 11 offensive rebounds, leading to 15 second-chance points, and scored 40 points in the paint. The team also capitalized on Iowa State turnovers, converting them into 23 points.
Defensively, Tennessee State recorded nine blocked shots, with Nkrumah and Lorick III combining for six, highlighting the team’s presence in the lane.
However, Iowa State’s offensive efficiency and depth proved difficult to contain. The Cyclones shot 52.8% from the field and 45.8% from three-point range, while holding a 43-29 rebounding advantage. Their bench also made a significant impact, contributing 50 points.
The game turned early after Tennessee State briefly took a 1-0 lead. Iowa State responded with a decisive 23-0 run in the first half, building a comfortable margin. The Cyclones shot 57.1% in the opening half and took a 55-29 lead into halftime.
Tennessee State showed resilience after the break, scoring 45 points in the second half and continuing to attack offensively. The Tigers were able to generate transition opportunities and maintain pressure, but Iowa State sustained its lead with balanced scoring and efficient shooting.
While the loss ends Tennessee State’s tournament run, the Tigers’ appearance signals a significant step forward for the program. Their performance throughout the season and return to the national stage reflect continued growth and momentum moving forward.
