By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Despite the difficult task of playing its second game in less than 24 hours, the Tennessee Tech men's basketball was up to the challenge Sunday afternoon, dispensing Crowley's Ridge, 98-51, behind a team effort across the board.
The Golden Eagles (4-6) led from wire-to-wire against the Pioneers (1-8), with nine of the 10 players to participate scoring points and hauling in a rebound. Tech set multiple season-high marks in the contest as a team, including points (98), rebounds (59) and 3-pointers made (12).
Tech outscored the Pioneers 46-27 in the first half, but really turned up the heat over the final 20 minutes, gaining a 52-24 advantage. The Golden Eagles also dished out more than 20 assists for the third time this season, totaling 24 dimes, not to mention nine blocks and eight steals.
Senior Hakeem Rogers led the strong offensive attack on the day, scoring a career-high 28 points while tying the Golden Eagle program record for 3-pointers in a single game, finishing 8-for-13 from downtown. He also tallied a career-best four steals and finished with four rebounds, three steals and a block.
Another key to the contest was the coming out party for freshman Colton Blevins, who posted not only his first career double-double, but also the first such mark on the team this season. The big man dumped in 12 points but was even more effective on the glass, hauling in a career-high 12 rebounds.
Both Aleksa Jugovic and Markell Henderson added 13 points apiece, with Jugovic knocking down three triples and hitting both free throw attempts. Henderson also went 100 percent at the line, converting all four of his attempts at the charity stripe.
Tech's fifth player in double figures was big man Ja'Cardo Hawkins. The junior finished with 10 points while just missing out on his own double-double after grabbing eight rebounds. He also dished out three assists.
As he has shown a knack for doing in his time on the court, sophomore Savonte Frazier flirted with triple-double numbers. The point guard posted a career-high nine assists while scoring seven points and grabbing six rebounds. He also blocked his second career shot.
The Golden Eagles will return to action after a nice break for finals, making a visit to East Lansing, Mich. for a contest with Michigan State. The match-up is set for a 1 p.m. CT start Saturday, Dec. 10.
Photo by Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
