Robert Covington had 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead Tennessee State over Eastern Kentucky 62-49 Tuesday night.
The Tigers, who have won five straight, took control early and never trailed. Tennessee State (6-6, 3-1 Ohio Valley Conference) shot 55.6 percent in the first half (15 of 27) and led 41-17 at halftime. Eastern Kentucky managed just 6 of 24 field goals in the first half (25 percent), including 2 of 11 from 3-point range (18.2 percent).
The Colonels (5-7, 1-3) brought it within 18-12 on Willie Cruz's free throw with 12:04 left in the first half but Tennessee State answered with 13 straight points. Jerret Towns finished the spurt with three-straight 3's for a 31-12 lead with 9:12 to go until halftime.
Covington was 9 of 13 from the field, including 6 of 7 for 15 points in the first half.
Joshua Jackson scored 15 points and Josh Daniel 14 for Eastern Kentucky.
