COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Seven games against teams from the
post-season, participation in the Hall of Fame Showcase, the
always-tough 18-game Ohio Valley Conference lineup and 15 home
games highlight the schedule awaiting the Tennessee Tech
men’s basketball team and coach Mike Sutton in 2009-2010.
“We’ve always had a good schedule, but this could be
the toughest of all,” Sutton said. “We have five very
difficult games early in the schedule, including on the road at the
No. 1 team in the country in Kansas and a couple of Top 10 or Top
20 teams in Memphis and Minnesota. Victories will be well-earned
with this schedule as we could play really well and come up short
against all of these teams, even at home.”
Besides those top-notch opponents, the Golden Eagles will host Ball
State and Evansville in Eblen Center, and late in the year face a
road game against what could be another outstanding opponent in a
Bracket Buster contest. The past few years, Tech’s Bracket
Buster foes have included Bradley, Northwestern State, East
Tennessee, all NCAA Tourney teams, and Ball State last year when it
was leading its conference.
As part of the Hall of Fame Showcase, Tech will play games at
Memphis, Kansas and Central Arkansas, and hosts Oakland University.
In addition to those tournament games, the Golden Eagles will also
play contests at Minnesota and Southern Utah in the first
month.
“Our first three Fridays of the season are games against
teams that were in the NCAA tournament last year, Minnesota,
Memphis and Kansas,” Sutton pointed out. Tech opens the
regular season on Friday, Nov. 13, at Big Ten foe Minnesota,
coached by Sutton’s friend and former mentor, Tubby
Smith.
“It’s the season opener, and it will be
difficult,” Sutton said. “Minnesota is extremely
talented, they’re coming off an NCAA tournament bid, and
they’re very excited about basketball up there. The game is
already sold out, and they’re good."
“They have a lot of size and athleticism and experience, so
that will be a big challenge,” Sutton said. “It’s
a good game because it helps us financially as well.”
Staying on the road, Tech visits Central Arkansas on Nov. 16 and
Memphis on Nov. 20, both part of the Hall of Fame Showcase.
Tech’s regular season home opener is Nov. 23 against Oakland
in another Showcase game in Eblen Center.
The team visits Southern Utah on Nov. 25, then wraps up the
Showcase at the University of Kansas on Nov. 27.
“We have a very tough early season schedule, which will be a
challenge for us,” Sutton said. “We’ve been very
fortunate here. We’ve played in some big-time arenas, and
I’ve coached in nearly every arena in the country."
“Kansas is….,” Sutton began, reflecting on the
tradition of the KU program. “Dr. Naismith was there, the
court is named after him. It will be big there. That will be a
difficult place to play. They don’t lose very often at
home."
“Our players like the challenge, and I would think Kansas
will be No. 1 in the country at the time we play there,” said
Tech’s veteran coach.
“The Hall of Fame Showcase is a good thing because we get a
home game out of the deal, but the problem is that home game is
against an Oakland team which is really good,” Sutton said.
“Oakland is a really good team with a lot of guys back, and
they won 20-some games. That makes the schedule even more
challenging.”
The Golden Eagles will be at home for four of its six games in
December, hosting Evansville on Dec. 1 to open the month. Included
in the home games will be visits from Bryan College on Dec. 10,
Ball State on Dec. 12, and Union on Dec. 30.
“Evansville and Ball State are two non-conference teams from
high conferences,” Sutton said. “It is by far the
toughest schedule we’ve played here, and it’s a
challenge, but we’re looking forward to the challenges."
Tech opens the OVC schedule with a road game at Jacksonville State
on Dec. 5, the only league game for the Golden Eagles until
January. After hosting Union on Dec. 30, Tech resumes league action
with a road trip to Southeast Missouri and Eastern Illinois, Jan.
2-4.
Tech’s first OVC home game is Jan. 7 against Morehead State,
who won the league tournament and represented the OVC in the NCAA
Tournament. It opens a crucial stretch where Tech plays six of
eight OVC games at home.
That homecourt edge will be as important as ever in the tough
league race, according to Sutton.
“The league has continued to get stronger from
top-to-bottom,” he said. “There are a lot of teams who
return a lot of players and went deep into the conference
tournament last year. Morehead State went on a four-game losing
streak, then turned around and won the conference tournament. I
think Murray State will probably be the preseason favorite
again.”
The league slate includes two games with UT Martin, a team which
reached the post-season with a visit to the NIT. The Skyhawks are
led by one of three new coaches in the OVC.
“There are three new coaches in the league, and I think
you’ll see some changes at those places,” Sutton said.
“The strength of our league will increase because there are a
lot of teams who have the to potential to finish in the top half of
the league."
Tech is scheduled to participate once again in a Bracket Buster
game on Feb. 20, but won’t know its opponent until close to
the event. After that, the Golden Eagles host Jacksonville State on
Feb. 27 to close out the regular season.
“Each year you want to try to do your absolute best to win
the conference,” Sutton said. “For us, we’ve got
some returning guys and we’ve got some new guys, so hopefully
our experience will help us balance that."
“To get a home game in the first round of the OVC tournament
you have to finish in the top four. That’s one of the things
that you set your sites on. We want to be really tough at home, and
try to steal some games on the road in a league that’s
good,” he said.
The OVC Tournament is March 2-6, with the top eight teams playing
in the first round and the four surviving squads advancing to the
finals in Nashville.
Season tickets for Golden Eagle basketball are on sale at the
Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center or online at TTUsports.com,
or by calling (931) 372-3940.
June 2, 2010
Gates, Muhammad named as TTU Strength All-Americans
March 16, 2010
Frank Davis receives NABC second-team all-district honors
March 1, 2010
Golden Eagles visit Austin Peay in OVC opening round
February 28, 2010
Tech faces OVC Tournament doubleheader Tuesday at Austin Peay
February 27, 2010
Golden Eagles slip past Gamecocks on Senior Night, 72-62
February 22, 2010
OVC Basketball Tournament to expand, change locations beginning in 2011
February 20, 2010
Golden Eagles drop BrackerBuster contest at Appalachian State
February 19, 2010
Golden Eagles visit Appalachian State in ESPNU BracketBuster
February 18, 2010
Tech bows in overtime for second time this week
February 17, 2010
Golden Eagles look for season sweep of Austin Peay
February 15, 2010
Golden Eagles visit Tennessee State for OVC double-header
February 15, 2010
Tennessee State outlasts Golden Eagles in double-overtime
February 13, 2010
Tech subdues Skyhawks, 70-61, to tighten OVC standings
February 12, 2010
Tech hosts defending OVC champion UT Martin Saturday night
February 11, 2010
Zach Bailey receives 2010 First Tennessee Bank Scholarship
February 11, 2010
Tech can't stop streaking Racers, fall 94-62 in Eblen Center
February 9, 2010
Unbeaten Murray State visits Eblen Center for OVC clash
February 8, 2010
Dillard earns third Freshman of the Week honor
February 6, 2010
Davis torches the nets but Golden Eagles fall at Morehead State
February 4, 2010
EKU ends Tech's win streak at four games
February 2, 2010
Basketball travels to Eastern Kentucky for a Thursday doubleheader
February 1, 2010
Golden Eagles draw Appalachian State in ESPNU BracketBuster
January 30, 2010
Strong second half lifts Tech over SEMO for fourth consecutive win
January 29, 2010
Doubleheader vs. Southeast Missouri will go on Saturday as scheduled
January 29, 2010
Tech basketball hosts Southeast Missouri in OVC double-header
January 28, 2010
Golden Eagles pull away late, top Eastern Illinois Panthers 75-65
January 27, 2010
Golden Eagles look for redemption against Eastern Illinois
January 26, 2010
Free H1N1 shots available, free tickets to game with vaccination
January 25, 2010
Mike Sutton: Comeback coach of all time
January 25, 2010
Dillard earns second Freshman of the Week honor
January 23, 2010
Clemens, Porter, Lewis among Golden Eagles returning Saturday
January 23, 2010
Golden Eagles tame TSU Tigers, 61-56, behind Murphy and Jones
January 22, 2010
Tiger Hunt: Golden Eagles host Tennessee State Saturday night
January 21, 2010
Davis, Dillard and balance help Tech to 94-90 win over APSU
January 20, 2010
Golden Eagles host rival Austin Peay to begin four-game homestand
January 19, 2010
Reminder: Free admission to families of 278th and area youth teams
January 18, 2010
Students invited to "Welcome Back Bash" in Eblen Center Thursday
January 16, 2010
Racers maintain league lead with 88-66 win over Golden Eagles
January 14, 2010
TTU men's basketball featured on CollegeChalktalk.com
January 14, 2010
The Sports Zone names Frank Davis Champion of the Week
January 14, 2010
All-session tickets for 2010 OVC Basketball Tournament now on sale
January 12, 2010
Golden Eagles to play on national TV against UT Martin Thursday
January 8, 2010
Tech vs. TSU chosen as OVC Radio Game of the Week
January 7, 2010
Tech takes on Eastern Kentucky in crucial OVC matchup
January 7, 2010
Late run lifts Morehead State to 77-64 OVC win in Eblen Center
January 4, 2010
Frank Davis earns OVC co-Player of the Week honors
December 30, 2009
Davis, Muhammad pace Tech to year-ending win over Union, 95-46
December 23, 2009
Two championship teams featured at Jan. 23 Basketball Alumni Day
December 19, 2009
Jones paces Golden Eagles to 97-44 win over Bryan Lions
December 16, 2009
Happy Holidays: Special gift for season ticket holders
December 14, 2009
Tech's Dillard honored as OVC Freshman of the Week
December 12, 2009
Golden Eagles bounce Ball State in overtime thriller
December 10, 2009
Youth Basketball, Scouts special invited guests at Saturday doubleheader
December 7, 2009
Fans reminded of changes to basketball schedule this week
December 2, 2009
Jordan, McKay named to Atlanta Preseason All-Metro Team
December 1, 2009
Evansville edges Tech in double overtime, 91-90
November 30, 2009
Golden Eagles return home to take on Evansville in Eblen Center
November 27, 2009
Golden Eagles give great effort in loss at No. 1 Kansas
November 25, 2009
Golden Eagles claim 72-65 road victory over Southern Utah
November 24, 2009
Golden Eagles head west to face Southern Utah
November 23, 2009
Big second half lifts Oakland past Golden Eagles, 77-56
November 20, 2009
Golden Eagles visit Memphis in second game of Hall of Fame Showcase
November 20, 2009
Balanced attack lifts Memphis over Golden Eagles
November 19, 2009
Murphy, Davis pace Golden Eagles over Lipscomb, 92-89
November 18, 2009
Golden Eagles continue road trip with visit to in-state foe Lipscomb
November 17, 2009
Golden Eagle game at No. 1 Kansas available on ESPN Full Court
November 16, 2009
Golden Eagles get team effort in 71-67 win over Central Arkansas
November 13, 2009
Golden Eagles drop season opener at No. 18 Minnesota
November 12, 2009
Golden Eagles sign Dunwoody standout Javon McKay
November 11, 2009
Starting times announced for women's and men's basketball games
November 11, 2009
Golden Eagles host Faculty/Staff Appreciation practice session
November 11, 2009
Golden Eagles tip off regular season against No. 18 Minnesota
November 7, 2009
Men's and women's basketball hosts youth clinic
November 5, 2009
Golden Eagles outlast Bluefield for 85-78 exhibition win
November 3, 2009
Gathering of Eagles, Poster Night slated Thursday in Eblen Center
October 29, 2009
Golden Eagle basketball team to hold open practice Saturday
October 29, 2009
Golden Eagles picked seventh in men's basketball preseason poll
October 28, 2009
National audience to hear OVC Men's Basketball title game
October 21, 2009
Tech men's basketball to hold open scrimmage Saturday morning
October 1, 2009
Casey Owens wins men's basketball shoe give-away
September 24, 2009
Golden Eagles to participate in 2010 BracketBuster game
September 23, 2009
Former Golden Eagle Milone Clark in Globetrotter camp
September 22, 2009
Golden Eagle schedule issues some big challenges to Mike Suttons squad
September 21, 2009
Nashville, OVC announced as hosts for 2012 NCAA First/Second Rounds
September 15, 2009
Men's basketball gets great turnout at Elite Camp
August 13, 2009
Men's basketball to host Premier Skills Camp
June 17, 2009
First African-American NBA player shares experiences
June 3, 2009
Georgia guard Zac Swansey transfers to Golden Eagles
May 17, 2009
Sutton adds signee Dillard from Georgia prep ranks