Tigers Survive Late AAMU Run, Wins In Overtime

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - It wasn't the prettiest of wins, but TSU will take it as they outlasted Alabama A&M 82-78 in overtime on Saturday inside the AAMU Events Center.
 
With the win, TSU head coach Johnny Jones is 13-0 lifetime against Alabama A&M. TSU continues its domination in the series against Alabama A&M as the Tigers have won 22 straight and 33 of the past 34 match-ups. Despite the historical data, AAMU played TSU close last season in the semifinals of the SWAC Tournament and Saturday's contest ended up being the same.
 
TSU wasted no time in setting the tone as they opened the contest a perfect 5-of-5 from the field within the first 4:17. AAMU would heat up with a 6-0 run to trail 11-9 but Kenny Hunter would put the team on his back as TSU was a perfect 4-for-4 over the next 3:26 as his six points upped the margin to 19-13 with 10:24 left. TSU would lead by as much as 11 (27-16) in the first half but AAMU would chip away to trail 30-24 at the half.
 
A 7-2 run by TSU to open the second half upped the lead back to double digits at 37-25. Both teams would match production over the next seven minutes as TSU used the free throw line to its advantage as they led 53-41 after a Kolby Granger jumper with 6:48 left. The next four minutes weren't too kind for the Tigers as they failed to get a field goal off while committing five turnovers as AAMU outscored them 13-3 to get within 56-54 with 2:47 left.
 
Despite the setback, Kavion McClain took over with five quick points within 28 seconds to move the lead back to 61-54 with 2:19 left. However, AAMU refused to go away as they outscored TSU 9-2 over the next 1:50 to knot it at 63-all with five seconds left as they were whistled for free throw attempts with five seconds left. AAMU's Darius Ford missed the potential go-ahead free throw with five seconds left but a jump ball situation off a Kehlin Farooq rebound gave them a chance to win once again with two seconds left. AAMU had two shots to win it in that span but fell short as TSU went into OT for the second time this year in SWAC play.
 
TSU opened with two quick baskets from Hunter and Jaylin Jackson-Posey in overtime to take a 68-63 lead. AAMU would trim it to three and eventually one at 69-68 with 1:39 left but Jackson-Posey answered the AAMU trey with his second trey of the period for a 72-68 margin with 1:12 left. AAMU missed its next basket and McClain hit two free throws to lead by six. The Bulldogs would miss another three-pointer and TSU threw the dagger down as Kehlin Farooq dunked home a bucket for a 76-68 lead. TSU would close out the game with McClain shooting 6-of-6 from the free throw line to seal the win.
 
McClain scored 20 points and dished out seven assists for TSU followed by 19 from Hunter and 10 by Jaylen Wysinger. Duane Posey had another strong day in the paint with 11 rebounds.
 
TSU is back in action on Monday at 7:30 p.m. in Montgomery, Ala. against Alabama State.