The Tennessee State University men's basketball team will host SIUE on February 21 at the Gentry Center, with the tipoff moved to 1 p.m. for a national broadcast on ESPNU. This marks the second nationally televised game at the venue in nine years. The accompanying women's game will start at 4 p.m. on ESPN+.
NASHVILLE — The Ohio Valley Conference has selected the Tennessee State men's basketball matchup against SIUE for a live ESPNU broadcast, prompting a schedule adjustment for the February 21 game at the Gentry Center.
Originally set for a later time, the men's game now tips off at 1 p.m., allowing national exposure for the Tigers as they seek to reverse an earlier loss to the Cougars. That prior contest aired on ESPNU from Edwardsville, where SIUE emerged victorious.
This will be only the second nationally televised men's basketball game at the Gentry Center in nine years. The last two such broadcasts occurred on February 16, 2017, against Morehead State, and January 6, 2022, against UT Martin.
The time change also affects the women's schedule: Tennessee State's women's team will now play at 4 p.m., with the game streamed on ESPN+.
The selection stems from the OVC's Wild Card process for linear television, now in its fourth consecutive year. This method announces broadcasts about two weeks in advance to highlight the best matchups. For the season, the conference schedule features eight men's basketball games on linear networks—five regular-season contests and three tournament games—with the regular-season games airing on ESPNU.
Additionally, one regular-season women's game will air on ESPNU. The OVC Women's Basketball Tournament's seven games, plus the men's tournament first round and quarterfinals (four games total), will stream on ESPN+ and the ESPN App. Over 200 regular-season conference games and select non-conference home contests will also be available on ESPN+.
Tickets for the February 21 doubleheader are available through the TSU Athletics Ticket Office. Fans can call 615-963-5907 or email tsutixs@tnstate.edu for details.
