It was not a win, but it was a vast improvement.

The East Texas State University (ETSU) Lions threw a scare into the NCAA Division I-AA fifth-ranked Tennessee State University Tigers Saturday night, before losing 15-6 in Nashville, Tenn.

The Lions had suffered their worst defeat since 1929 last week, losing to the top-ranked Division I-AA team in the nation, Arkansas State.

ETSU had a chance to take the lead early in the fourth quarter when wide receiver Bobby Bankston scored the first Lion touchdown in two weeks on a seven-yard reverse. The run came as the climax of a long drive led by the passing of quarterback Mike Trigg. However, Trigg's pass on the two-point convershion attempt that would have given ETSU the lead, was incomplete.

On the next Tennessee State possession, Quentin Crawford ran 67 yards for a touchdown on a third and 32 situation. The play was an inside reverse. A two-point conversion run was successful, giving the Tigers a 15-6 lead that held up.

Tennessee State took a 7-0 lead late in the first period on a seven-yard touchdown pass by quarterback Stacy Greer. ETSU had missed an opportunity to take the early led when Dan Roberson's 48-yard field goal attempt was no good. 

ETSU is now 1-3 this season. Next Saturday night, the Lions meet Southwestern Oklahoma at Weatherford, Okla.