• Due to an on-campus power outage, TSU will seek its fourth straight win Saturday night across the street at the Fertitta Center on the University of Houston campus against Mississippi Valley State at 7:30 p.m. TSU has yet to play in the newly renovated arena as its last game over there was on 12-8-2012.
• This marks the second year for TSU head coach Johnny Jones. Jones went 24-14 in his inaugural year as head coach with three Power 5 conference wins. TSU fell in the finals of the 2019 SWAC Tournament and competed in the CIT. TSU advanced to the semifinals of the CIT last season.
• TSU has to replace three key starters from last year's squad but has several returnees who had made starts last year that will have to step up. Point guard Tyrik Armstong, shooting guard John Jones and forward Eden Ewing will be counted on to lead the charge as Armstrong and Jones are top returning scorers while Ewing is the top returning rebounder.
• Head coach Johnny Jones is 77-71 all-time in the month of January and 8-4 at TSU.
• Jones is 3-0 lifetime against Mississippi Valley State and 2-0 at TSU.
• Mississippi Valley State was picked 10th in the SWAC's preseason poll and is under the direction of SWAC legend and former NBA standout Lindsey Hunter. MVSU has two of the SWAC's top four scorers in Michael Green (2nd/17 ppg) and Caleb Hunter (4th/14.7 ppg). They also have the SWAC's No. 3-4 rebounders in Jordan Kimble (7.4) and Brandon Lyons (6.6)
• TSU has won five straight over MVSU dating back to 1-23-17 and also has won 13 of the past 14 games. MVSU has not won in Houston since 1-23-12.
• Since Jan. 6, Bryson Etienne is averaging 19.5 points, 3.2 assists and 5.3 rebounds while making 22-of-28 free throws.
• TSU takes the term "home, sweet home" to heart as the Tigers are 97-23 inside the H&PE Arena since 2008. TSU has won nine-plus games at home every year since the 2010-11 season.
• TSU was picked second in the Southwestern Athletic Conference preseason poll as senior forward Eden Ewing was named to the All-SWAC Preseason First Team. Ewing was granted a sixth year of eligibility in the summer.
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Courtesy: TSU Athletics