NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Kellen Thorton recorded career-highs of 28 points and 16 rebounds to lead Tennessee State past Southeast Missouri 81-69 Saturday night in an Ohio Valley conference game.
Patrick Miller scored 20 points and Jordan Cyphers had 14 to help Tennessee State (11-7, 5-0) improve to 6-0 at home this season.
The Tigers shot 64 percent (16 for 25) in the first half and held the Redhawks to 38.5 percent (10 for 26) in the period. Tennessee State led at halftime 43-29.
Southern Missouri (10-9, 2-3) cut the lead to nine, 58-49, early in the second half, but Tennessee State went back up by double figures when Cyphers answered with a 3-pointer to make it 61-49.
The Tigers led by as many as 17 points and converted 14 free throws in the period while Southern Missouri made only six for the game.
Corey Wilford led the Redhawks with 15 points.
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