W. Kentucky 52, Tennessee St. 49

Jamal Crook scored 13 points, including Western Kentucky's final seven points against Tennessee State as the Hilltoppers earned a 52-49 win on Monday night. Crook hit his first career 3-pointer to put the Hilltoppers (1-1) ahead by three at 48-45, a lead they would not relinquish. But the Tigers (0-2) weren't done yet, as they forced turnovers on consecutive Western Kentucky inbound attempts to pull within 50-49 with less than one minute to play. But Crook grabbed a late rebound on a forced Tennessee State field goal attempt with the shot clock expiring. He was then fouled, and connected on two free throws to seal the victory. Derrick Gordon added 10 points for the Hilltoppers. Robert Covington scored 17 points to lead the Tigers. Tennessee State led by a point at halftime but was outscored 29-25 by Western Kentucky in the second half.