Featured image by: Darvin Nelson

In the words of the band Survivor, “It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight.” Tennessee State channeled the eye of the tiger with an 81-73 victory over UNF in the Las Vegas Invitational Championship Game. 

The Ospreys were constantly playing catch-up as Tennessee State shot 53 percent from the floor throughout the first half with the lead changing just once throughout the first 20 minutes. 

The Tigers finished the first half strong on an 8-2 run to extend their lead to 38-30 at halftime. 

Carter Hendricksen led UNF in scoring in the first half with 15 points, going 5-7 from the field. 

Tennessee State continued to dominate in the second half until the Ospreys clawed within five with less than two minutes left in the game. Ivan Gandia-Rosa jacked up his third trey of the night to set the score at 72-67, Tigers.

Hendricksen followed suit with a three of his own to reach within four of the Tigers, 74-70. 

The Tigers pulled away when it mattered most and came out on top with an 81-73 win. 

Although the Ospreys didn’t win the championship, Hendricksen was selected to the All-Tournament team.

Once again, Hendricksen and Gandia-Rosa matched each other in points with 22 apiece in the loss. 

After a four-game road trip, the Ospreys (5-4) head back to UNF Arena where they will take on Tubby Smith’s High Point Panthers (1-6) on Monday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. 

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