COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech’s unbeaten season
came to a screeching halt Tuesday night in Eblen Center when the
Evansville Purple Aces converted a 22-2 first half run into a 62-50
non-conference victory.
Tech (3-1) simply couldn’t match the Aces, whose defense
limited the Golden Eagles to 38 percent shooting from the field
(19-for-50). Tech was off-target from inside and outside, as well
as at the free throw line where they made 50 percent
(5-for-10).
Evansville (3-2), which has now won three straight, got a balanced
effort with all nine players who saw action chipping in with
points. Senior guard Ned Cox led the way with 15 points and six
assists, while D.J. Balentine added 11 points. Jaylon Moore scored
nine in the winning effort, while Ryan Sawvell added six points and
eight assists.
The Purple Aces shot 48 percent from the field and held a 34-24
advantage on the glass.
Dennis Ogbe and Lanerryl Johnson let the Golden Eagles with 10
points each while Jud Dillard added nine points. Foul problems
early limited Dillard’s playing time.
The Golden Eagles held a 15-11 lead midway through the half, but
managed just two points over the final 10 minutes on a layup by
Johnson.
Meanwhile, Evansville took advantage of every opportunity and put
together a 22-2 run to build a 33-17 lead by halftime. Eight
different players contributed points to the run, including
3-pointers from Ned Cox, Jordan Nelson, and D.J. Balentine.
Evansville outscored Tech 24-14 in the paint, and had a 14-3
advantage on second-chance points.
A well-deserved Thanksgiving break awaits coach Steve
Payne’s team before the Golden Eagles head to the Windy City
next week to face Loyola-Chicago on Wednesday night (Nov. 28).