Tigers Hurt By Slow Start In Season Opener

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – A slow start in the first half set the tone as TSU dropped its season opener at San Diego State Tuesday night.

The Tigers were neck-and-neck with the Aztecs to open the game as it was a 10-6 margin within the first four minutes. However, TSU missed its next seven shots over the next six minutes as they were outscored 7-0 for an 11-point deficit. Justin Hopkins would score the next five points for TSU but unfortunately, the scoring would cease for nearly five minutes. By the time TSU scored its next basket at the 4:03 mark, the Aztecs put together a 20-0 surge as they went into the half ahead 48-13. In addition to the team’s offensive production, the Tigers struggled to hold on to the ball as they committed 15 turnovers which led to 17 points by the Aztecs.

Despite a rough start, the Tigers came out in the second half and played San Diego State evenly as both teams scored 29 points apiece. TSU also found its way to the free throw line more while cutting back on its turnovers. 

Tyrik Armstong led TSU with 10 points, two assists and a steal while Eden Ewing and Quinton Brigham led TSU on the boards with eight rebounds each.

The Tigers are back in action Saturday as they’ll head to Kansas to face Wichita State at 2 p.m.