By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - It may be nearly three months before the 2014-15 season even begins, but Tennessee Tech head men's basketball coach Steve Payne got a really good look at what may be in store this year as the Golden Eagles took home two victories Wednesday in their first day of action on their summer trip to the Dominican Republic.
Facing the Puerto Plata Selection Team, the Golden Eagles cruised to an 81-62 victory, leading by as many as 30 points over the professional team.
"Our bigs just dominated the paint in our first contest," Payne said. "I was impressed with how well they got after the ball and were able to score in the post. They played a significant role in our first victory."
Leading the way was junior big Anthony Morse, who tallied an impressive double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Incoming junior post Charles Jackson also tallied a double-double, scoring 10 points while adding 12 boards.
Junior guard Josiah Moore led all scorers with 17 points.
Tech's second contest of the day also ended as a 19-point victory, with the Golden Eagles taking down another professional team in the Metros de Santiago, 97-78.
"That was a good quality win for us," Payne said. "It was nice to see a couple of other guys lead the way and show that we can score from all over the floor. I'm excited to see how our guys grow for the duration of our trip."
Once again, Moore led the Golden Eagles in scoring, this time tallying 15 points and adding six rebounds. Sophomore DeOndre Haynes and freshman Savonte Frazier each scored 14 points, with Frazier including six rebounds and three assists.
Senior post Dwan Caldwell played for the first time in four months after recovering from injury. Caldwell looked good in a very limited eight minutes, scoring five points and collecting three boards.
The squad will play four more contests while in the Dominican Republic, including a doubleheader on Thursday.