Tech hosts defending OVC champion UT Martin Saturday night

Tech hosts defending OVC champion UT Martin Saturday night

Game Notes (PDF)

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Looking to snap a three-game skid and gain ground in the Ohio Valley Conference, the Tennessee Tech men’s basketball team will host UT Martin in Eblen Center on Saturday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and the game is the second half of a double-header with the Golden Eagle women’s team, which faced UT Martin beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The Golden Eagles enter the game after facing the OVC’s top three teams in their last three games, including two of those teams on the road. The three-game skid has dropped the Golden Eagles to 12-13 overall and 6-8 in OVC play. But Tech will look a win to get back to .500 on the season. UT Martin enters the game at 4-20 overall, 1-13 in the OVC and 0-12 on the road this season. Tech beat the Skyhawks 76-63 in Martin earlier this year.

The Golden Eagles boast a 29-10 all-time record against the Skyhawks, including a 76-63 in Martin earlier this season. Before that win UT Martin had won four straight in the series.

UT Martin is led by one of the top scorers in the conference, Marquis Weddle. Weddle is averaging 16.9 points per game and 3.9 boards per contest. The Skyhawks have three other players averaging double-figures in scoring, with Benzor Simmons scoring 13.3 per game, Reuben Clayton averaging 12.5 per game and Delrico Lane chipping in with 10.6 per contest. UT Martin enters the game at 1-13 in OVC play, 0-12 on the road this season, and 4-20 overall, after winning the OVC championship last year.

Tech is led by Kevin Murphy, who is fifth in the OVC in scoring, averaging 15.3 points per game. Murphy has reached double-figures in scoring in 18 consecutive games for the Golden Eagles. Senior Frank Davis, who set the school record for career 3-pointers made, and also joined the 1,000-point club earlier this season, is second on the team in scoring, averaging 14.3 points per game. Freshman Jud Dillard, three-time OVC Freshman of the Week, is averaging 9.0 points and 4.3 rebounds for Tech.

The Golden Eagles have a quick turnaround after facing the Skyhawks. Tech will visit Tennessee State on Feb. 15, and travel to Austin Peay on Feb. 18. The Golden Eagles will then step out of OVC play for their ESPN BracketBuster contest when they visit Appalachian State on Feb. 20. Tech wraps up its season at home in a crucial match-up against Jacksonville State on Feb. 27.

For ticket information please contact the Golden Eagle athletics ticket office at (931) 372-3940 or visit TTUsports.com.