Mekhi Cameron’s Career Night, Owens’ Clutch 3 Lift TTU Past TSU

Photo / Tennessee Tech Athletics

NASHVILLE — The Gentry Center was electric as Tennessee Tech fended off a late surge from rival Tennessee State to post a 90–85 victory, the Golden Eagles’ second straight win.

TTU built large leads throughout the game, at one point extending the margin to 20 points. The Golden Eagles led 46–31 at halftime, paced by Mekhi Cameron’s career‑high 23 points. Cameron was especially deadly from long range, drilling five of seven 3‑point attempts.

TTU shot 57.7 percent in the first half and made eight triples. Brandon Muntu added 16 points, and reserve Dani Pounds contributed 15 off the bench.

The second half tightened dramatically as TSU mounted a furious comeback. The Tigers closed with a 12–0 run in the final two minutes to tie the game at 85 with under a minute remaining. But veteran Ty Owens buried a clutch 3‑pointer with 27 seconds left to put Tennessee Tech back ahead. Cameron then iced the game with two made free throws, sealing the 90–85 final.

Tennessee Tech coach John Pelphrey praised his players’ resilience after the game. “I thought our guys were terrific. We have so much respect for Tennessee State. It's a really hard place to win. At the end of the day, you saw some guys step up with incredible results,” he said. On Cameron’s return from injury, Pelphrey added, “I just got so much respect for his toughness. He’s really stepped up in leadership, and I’m proud of him.”

TSU’s Aaron Nkrumah led his team with 21 points; Travis Harper added 19. The Tigers fell to 14–8 overall and 8–4 in OVC play. The win improved Tennessee Tech to 9–14 and 4–8 in conference games.

Both teams showed grit and determination in a game that could foreshadow intense matchups down the stretch as they push toward postseason play.