Tennessee State Tigers Making History, Chasing NCAA Tournament Bid

The Tennessee State Tigers have been on a remarkable run this season, and their success has not gone unnoticed in the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) community. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Nolan Smith, the Tigers are making a strong push to earn their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1999.

In their latest victory, the Tigers rolled past SIU Edwardsville 80-53 on Saturday in Nashville, marking their second straight win and solidifying their position atop the Ohio Valley Conference. The Tigers showcased their impressive offensive firepower, knocking down 57% of their shots and going 8-for-19 (42%) from the three-point line. They also dominated the boards, outrebounding SIUE 37-21.

Aaron Nkrumah led the way for the Tigers, scoring a game-high 26 points on an efficient 11-for-15 shooting.

Coach Nolan Smith, who was part of national championship teams as a player and assistant coach at Duke University, has instilled a winning mentality in the Tigers. As he recently told The Tennessean, "Pretty much my whole life, I have always won. I don't take winning for granted."

"Pretty much my whole life, I have always won. I don't take winning for granted."

The Tigers' success this season is particularly significant for the HBCU community, as their pursuit of an NCAA Tournament bid represents the potential for greater national recognition and opportunities for HBCU basketball programs. The Tigers' journey is a testament to the talented players and dedicated coaches within the HBCU system, and their continued success could inspire more young athletes to consider HBCU institutions as viable options for their collegiate basketball careers.

As the Tigers continue their push towards the NCAA Tournament, the HBCU community will be rallying behind them, eager to see a well-deserved spotlight shine on the remarkable talent and dedication found within HBCU athletics.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.