By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – For the first time in program history, the Tennessee Tech men's basketball team will take on the Trojans of USC, heading west to Los Angeles for a Monday meeting with the Pac-12 members at 10 p.m. CT.
The Golden Eagles enter the contest after a record-setting victory in their regular season opener, dominating Piedmont International 83-29. Tech held the Bruins to under 20 percent shooting in the contest, becoming the first Golden Eagle squad since 1947-48 to hold an opponent under 30 points in a game.
Leading the Tech offense into L.A. will be a trio of big men, including redshirt freshman Mason Ramsey, senior Dwan Caldwell and junior Charles Jackson.
Caldwell, who returns to his hometown for the contest, tied for the team lead with 14 points in Tech's opening game, knocking down 67 percent of his shots from the floor, including a career-high two 3-pointers to lead the team. Jackson, who also returns to his home state, put together his first official double-double in purple and gold (he had one in Tech's exhibition contest against Bluefield College as well).
The Sacramento native dropped 10 points and 13 rebounds against Piedmont to become the first Tech newcomer to record a double-double in his first career game since Damien Kinloch back in 2002-03.
Ramsey, a native of nearby Livingston, Tenn., also notched a double-double against the Bruins, pouring in 14 points and adding a team-high 14 rebounds. He became the first Tech freshman to record a double-double in his first career game since Earl Wise back in 1986-87.
USC enters the contest after losing its regular-season opener at home to Portland State, 76-68. Freshman guard Jordan McLaughlin dropped 19 points and six assists in the loss, shooting a solid 67 percent from the field.
The contest will be televised live on the Pac-12 Network with Jim Watson providing play-by-play and Dan Belloumini acting as an analyst.
Tennessee Tech (1-0) at USC (0-1)
Monday, Nov. 17, 2014
10 p.m. CT
Galen Center (10,258) – Los Angeles, Calif.
The Broadcasts
TV: Pac-12 Network (Jim Watson & Dan Belloumini)
Radio: 106.1 The Eagle (Dylan Vazzano)
Webcast: None
