Spencer's play down stretch helps Tennessee State win 69-65

Jan 12, 2018, 02:53 am

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Delano Spencer made a steal and layup for the lead with 39 seconds left and added two free throws with 4.7 seconds remaining to seal a 69-65 Tennessee State victory over Eastern Illinois on Thursday night.

Spencer's layup made it 65-63 and his two free throws 67-64 before Ken'Darrius Hamilton added a pair of free throws with 1.1 seconds left.

EIU had an 11-point lead in the first half but was up just 30-28 at the break. EIU scored the first five points of the second half but the Tigers tied it at 39-all with 16:27 left and the game remained tight.

Spencer, Darreon Reddick and Kamar McKnight scored 12 points each with McKnight's all coming in the second half. Hamilton added 11 and Christian Mekowulu 10 for the Tigers (7-9, 2/3 Ohio Valley), who had lost six of their last seven.

Montell Goodwin scored 17 points, Ray Crossland 12 and Jajuan Starks 11 for the Panthers (6-10, 2-3), who lost for the first time in five home games.