By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech men's basketball team suffered its first loss in the Eblen Center this season Saturday evening, falling to long-time and Ohio Valley Conference rival Murray State, 71-45.

The Golden Eagles struggled on the offensive end from everywhere outside of the paint, shooting a season-low 6.3 percent (1-for-16) from 3-point range and season-low 18.2 percent (2-for-11) from the free throw line. Despite the jump-shooting difficulties, Tech still managed to connect on 40 percent of its attempts from the field.

The Tech defense did cause some mayhem for the Racer offense, forcing 18 turnovers, a season-high for the visitors. The Golden Eagles turned those turnovers into 20 points on the night.

The Racers outrebounded Tech on the night, 38-21, leading to 16 second-chance points and 11 fast-break points.

Senior guard Kajon Mack led the Golden Eagles with 11 points on 5-for-11 shooting. Sophomore center Micaiah Henry, the Special Olympics Player of the Game, was efficient with his shots on the night, finishing 4-for-4 on his way to eight points.

Despite being limited to 11 minutes of action due to injury, senior guard Aleksa Jugovic led Tech with three assists. Courtney Alexander II corralled a team-high six rebounds in the contest.

Murray State's Jonathan Stark led all scorers with 18 points while Terrell Miller, Jr. finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Racer freshman Ja Morant tallied 13 points.

The Golden Eagles will hit the road for their annual "Death Valley" road trip, making stops at Eastern Kentucky and Morehead State next week. Tech will tip against the Colonels at 7 p.m. CT Thursday, Jan. 18 before heading for a match-up with the Eagles on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 3:15 p.m.

Photo by Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information