Tennessee State's Dynamic Duo Leads HBCU Basketball Surge in the OVC

As the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) men's basketball race heats up, the Tennessee State Tigers have positioned themselves as a formidable contender, thanks in large part to the dynamic duo of seniors Travis Harper II and Aaron Nkrumah.

Harper, the OVC's leading scorer, is averaging an impressive 17.7 points per game, showcasing his ability to score efficiently from the perimeter and make clutch plays down the stretch. The senior guard has delivered key performances in conference wins over UT Martin, Little Rock, Morehead State, and Lindenwood – teams that remain in the heart of the title race.

Complementing Harper's scoring prowess is Nkrumah, who ranks fourth in the OVC in scoring at 16.9 points per game. The senior guard's versatility allows the Tigers to maintain balance on the offensive end when opposing defenses focus on slowing down Harper.

The OVC standings remain tightly packed, with seven teams within two games of first place. Tennessee State sits squarely in that group, trailing the conference lead by just half a game.

With a large portion of their remaining conference games against teams they have already defeated, the Tigers are well-positioned to finish at or near the top of the OVC standings. Having two senior scorers capable of controlling late-game possessions only strengthens their outlook.

"Tennessee State has positioned itself as one of the top men's basketball contenders in the Ohio Valley Conference race, and seniors Travis Harper II and Aaron Nkrumah are the driving force behind that surge."

Why This Matters to the HBCU Community: The success of Tennessee State's basketball program is a source of pride for the HBCU community. As an HBCU, Tennessee State's achievements on the court showcase the talent and dedication of their student-athletes, and serve as a testament to the quality of education and athletic programs at HBCUs. The Tigers' strong performance in the OVC race is a reminder that HBCUs continue to produce exceptional student-athletes who can compete at the highest levels of collegiate sports.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.