¢ This marks the first meeting between the schools.

¢ Tennessee State of the Ohio Valley Conference is located in Nashville, Tenn. Enrollment is 9,024. Nickname is Tigers. Colors are Royal Blue and White.

¢ Cy Alexander enters 34-54 in four seasons at TSU, 311-255 lifetime (.549).

¢ Alexander led South Carolina State to five appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including four trips to the tournament in his last eight years. South Carolina State was named American Sports Wire Black College National Champions three times under Alexander’s guidance. His teams received the recognition in 1996, 1998, and 2000.

¢ Tennessee State went 13-15 last season, 11-9 in the Ohio Valley. The Tigers lost in the first round of the conference postseason tournament.

¢ A key newcomer is Mississippi State transfer Jerrell Houston, a 6-8 sophomore who played in 13 games for the Bulldogs, starting one, as a freshman. Houston will be eligible after the fall semester.

¢ The Tigers were picked to finish second in the Ohio Valley behind Samford.

¢ TSU is 18-6 at home the past two seasons. The squad won five road games a year ago.