Tech takes on defending OVC champs when Murray comes to Eblen Saturday
January 14, 2011

Tech takes on defending OVC champs when Murray comes to Eblen Saturday

The Golden Eagles will look to take three straight wins for the first time this season when they take on the 2010 NCAA Tournament representatives from the OVC when the Racers of Murray State come to Cookeville Saturday night.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- The Golden Eagles will look to take three straight wins for the first time this season when they take on the 2010 NCAA Tournament representatives from the OVC, the Racers of Murray State, who come to Cookeville Saturday night. Opening tip for game two of the doubleheader event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Coming off of a triple overtime win against UT-Martin, which gave Tech an overall record of 8-7, the Golden Eagles will be looking to extend their two-game win streak on Saturday against Murray. The Racers, who have won seven of their last eight games and sit at 11-5 overall, are riding a 71-62 win over JSU headed into Cookeville.

Murray and Tech are currently tied in third place in conference standings with records of 4-2, but with Murray having a slight edge on the road with a 3-1 record compared to their 1-1 home stand. Tech is dead even at 2-1 in both home and road games.

The Racers also have an edge in the lifetime series over the Golden Eagles, taking the win in 119 games to Tech's 46. TTU has won five of the past 12 meetings with Murray, with their last victory coming in the final game of the 2008-09 regular season. The Racers quickly avenged the loss in the next game during the first round of the OVC tournament.

Last season, the Racers left their mark in the OVC as well as in the Big Dance when, as a 13 seed, they upset no. 4 Vanderbilt in a 66-65 victory and took tournament runner-up Butler (a no. 5 seed) down to the wire, shouldering a hard-fought 54-52 loss in round two.

Saturday night at the Hoop is also Putnam County Night, which means that residents of Putnam County can purchase tickets to the game for just $1 with a valid ID or driver's license. It also marks Basketball Alumni Night at Tech, which invites all TTU Basketball alumni to attend in order to be recognized for their participation in Tech basketball.

Fans who cannot make it to Eblen Center on Saturday night can follow the Live Stats here, or listen to Roger Ealey calling the action on the Golden Eagle Sports Network or on free Teamline at 1-800-846-4700 (Tech code 0654). As always, tickets are available by calling the TTU Ticket Office at (931)-372-3940 or online at TTUsports.com.