GAME NOTES: In Ohio Valley Conference action, the Tennessee State Tigers will host the Jacksonville State Gamecocks this evening at the Gentry Center. The Gamecocks have struggled throughout the season, losing 16 of their 20 games this year. Jacksonville State is in the midst of a four-game losing skid with the most recent setback coming this past weekend, as the squad fell to UT- Martin, 81-70. The Gamecocks are currently tied with Eastern Illinois for last place in the OVC with a miserable 2-10 ledger. As for the Tigers, they have won three of their last four games, including a thrilling, 73-72 victory over Tennessee Tech this past Saturday. Tennessee State has had much more success in league action and is currently holding a solid 6-5 OVC mark. Next up for TSU will be a home game against Samford, followed by two consecutive road matchups. The Gamecocks took a slim 6-5 lead in the all-time series against Tennessee State with a thrilling, 83-79 victory over the Tigers earlier this month.

The Gamecocks' terrible season can be attributed to the team's play at the defensive end of the floor, as the squad is surrendering 77.6 ppg. The defensive struggles for JSU continued this past weekend, as the squad allowed Tennessee-Martin to shoot 50.0 percent from the field en route to an 81-70 victory over the Gamecocks. At the other end of the court, the Gamecocks were led by Nick Murphy, who scored 15 points. Will Ginn added 14 points for JSU, while Jonathan Toles tallied 11 points. Murphy and Ginn have been the top two scoring threats for Jacksonville State throughout the season, as Murphy is netting 11.7 ppg, while Ginn is contributing 10.3 ppg. As a whole, Jacksonville State is netting 70.8 ppg, while shooting a mediocre 43.9 percent.

The Tigers have been ferocious at the offensive end of the floor this season, as the team is currently averaging 74.8 ppg, while shooting a strong 46.5 percent from the field. Bruce Price has been outstanding throughout, and is leading the team with 19.0 ppg, 95 assists and 46 steals. His backcourt partner, Gerald Robinson has also performed well, as the guard is contributing 16.1 ppg. Jerrell Houston has dominated play in the paint, netting 10.8 ppg to go along with a team-best 6.1 rpg. The last time Tennessee State was on the court the team grabbed a one-point win over Tennessee Tech. The Tigers shot 42.1 percent from the floor in the contest, but connected on 10-of-20 shots from long range. Robinson poured in 27 points in the win, while Price and Reiley Ervin contributed 13 and 10 points, respectively.

Considering how poorly the Gamecocks have played defensively, the Tigers should have no trouble posting points early and often in this matchup. Expect Tennessee State to grab an easy victory at home.