By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The three-ball and second-half defense were on full display for the Tennessee Tech men's basketball team Thursday evening, as the Golden Eagles defeated in-state foe Cumberland, 80-69, in exhibition play as part of Tech's annual Purple Palooza.
Eight of the purple and gold's 13 newcomers enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of the Golden Eagle fans, combining to hit 13-of-23 attempts from distance for an incredible 56.5 percent efficiency. Tech also shot a highly effective 61.5 percent from the floor in the second half.
After trailing 40-37 at halftime, the Tech defense picked up the intensity over the final 20 minutes, limiting Cumberland to 35.5 percent shooting and just a 1-for-10 performance from downtown. The Golden Eagles won the battle on the glass 36-29 and doled out 22 assists.
Paving the way for the night of celebration was junior guard Brett Thompson (FAU/Mineral Area CC), impressing fans with incredible effort, tenacious defense, and a team-high 17 points. The Oakland, Calif. native hit 3-of-4 tries from 3-point range and 4-of-5 free throws while dishing out four assists and hauling in three rebounds. He also drew a whopping 10 fouls in the contest, frustrating the Phoenix squad all night.
Fellow backcourt newbie and Preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference selection Ty Perry (Lafayette) turned in a sensational evening, shooting 3-of-5 from deep and 5-of-8 from the floor on his way to 13 points. The graduate student added three dimes to the mix as well.
Junior guard Erik Oliver (South Dakota) was stellar off the bench for the purple and gold, dropping 14 points with a 4-for-5 display from beyond the arc. Also new to the Cookeville crew, Jaylen Sebree (Morehead State) flirted with a double-double, stuffing the stat sheet with nine points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
Making his first appearance in the Eblen Center, guard Jayvis Harvey (JMU/Georgia Highlands College) turned in nine points, three boards, and two helpers. Nearby Sparta native and Ole Miss transfer Grant Slatten made the most of his time on the floor, sporting seven points with just one miss on the night.
One of two Tech returners to make a start last season, Diante Wood produced across the board with team-highs of seven rebounds and six assists, as well as four points. Center Nolan Causwell covered the glass well, corralling six boards in under 18 minutes of action. He also scored five points and blocked two shots.
The Golden Eagles will officially kick off the new slate with its season opener at Tennessee on Monday, Nov. 7. Tech then returns to Cookeville for its home opener on Thursday, Nov. 10 against Tennessee Wesleyan.
Season tickets for Tennessee Tech men's basketball are now on sale. To order, call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or visit TTUSports.com.
Photo by Emily Armstrong
