By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Not one, but two members of the Tennessee Tech men's basketball team were honored for their each of their impressive debuts for the Golden Eagles last week. Sophomore forward Amadou Sylla was named the Ohio Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week while rookie guard Keishawn Davidson was tabbed as the OVC Freshman of the Week.
Sylla made an instant impact in his first two games in the purple and gold, averaging 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds while shooting an eye-popping 77.8 percent from the field. He hit 6-of-7 tries in the season-opener at Western Kentucky, accounting for 13 points and four rebounds.
In Tech's home-opening win against Martin Methodist, the junior college transfer captured his first double-double of the year with game-high marks of 20 points and 14 boards. Sylla connected on eight of his 11 attempts from the floor while playing just over 24 minutes.
Davidson put forth one of the best opening week's by a Tech freshman in program history, averaging 14.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists in the team's two contests. He kicked things off with a team-high 18 points, six assists and no turnovers at WKU. He became the first Tech freshman with at least 18 points in his collegiate debut since Earl Wise scored 27 in 1986-87.
In his first home contest, against Martin Methodist, he recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 assists. He became the first Tech rookie with 10 or more assists in a contest since Leigh Gayden during the 1999-00 season.
It marked the first time since 2015-16 that Tech claimed two of the OVC's three weekly accolades.
The Golden Eagles will return to action in the Eblen Center on Tuesday, Nov. 12, hosting Wright State as part of a doubleheader with the Tech women's team. The men are slated to tip at 7:30 p.m. CT, or approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the women's game, which starts at 5:30 p.m., against ULM.
Season tickets for Tennessee Tech basketball are on sale now. Call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office, or log on to TTUSports.com to order yours today.
Photos by Thomas Corhern
