NICEVILLE, FLA. – Tennessee State used a 29-10 run midway through the second half, rallying for an 91-77 victory past Southeastern Louisiana in the Emerald Coast Classic Saturday morning at Raiders Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State College.
Five players scored in double figures for Tennessee State which improved to 5-2. EJ Bellinger and reserve Christian Brown led the balanced attack with 18 points apiece.
Guard Roger McFarlane paced Southeastern Louisiana with 20 points, including 13 in the first half which helped the Lions to a 48-43 lead.
But Tennessee State hit a sizzling 58.3 percent (14-24) from the floor in the second half, while limiting the Lions to just 30.4 percent shooting.
Tennessee State made its first four shots racing to an 8-0 lead. Not to be denied, the Lions answered by making eight straight shots during a five-minute stretch. That enabled Southeastern Louisiana to grab a 32-25 lead.
Guard Alec Woodard scored seven of the Lions’ first 12 points before going to the bench with 14:29 left in the first half when he picked up his second foul.
This marked the first meeting between the schools since Tennessee State secured a 78-51 home win Feb. 9, 1987.
Tennessee State resumes action Wednesday playing at Alabama A&M. Southeastern Louisiana hosts Southern-New Orleans Wednesday.
