By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – For the second time in as many weeks, Tennessee Tech basketball's Ryan Martin took home adidas® OVC Newcomer of the Week honors, capturing the award on the power of his role in two incredible come-from-behind victories that kept the Golden Eagle win streak alive.
The senior collected his second and third double-doubles of the season last week, helping lead Tech rally from a 15-point deficit against in-state rival East Tennessee State and then a 16-point deficit against another in-state foe, Lipscomb. For the week, he averaged 18.0 points, 12.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks while shooting 54.5 percent from the field and a solid 73.3 percent from the charity stripe.
Against the Buccaneers, Martin dropped 18 points on the scoreboard, sinking nine of his 11 attempts at the free throw line. He also dominated the glass, corralling a career-high 14 rebounds. Playing a season-high 37 minutes, he also blocked two shots.
Facing its second double-digit deficit at halftime in as many games, the Tech squad turned to Martin for help in the paint and he delivered with an 18-point, 11-rebound performance that led to the team's sixth consecutive victory and first road win since Dec. 22 of 2014. The forward sunk 8-of-13 from the field in the W, leading to College Sports Madness OVC Player of the Week honors for his efforts.
The Tech squad will get some much-need rest before its next journey on the road, not playing again until a Saturday contest on Dec. 12 at Arkansas. The 7 p.m. CST tilt will be televised on the SEC Network and mark the first ever meeting between the two programs.
Photo by Tony Marable
