Tech Men’s Hoops Hosts Little Rock on Saturday Afternoon
Tennessee Tech men’s basketball welcomes Little Rock for a rematch from earlier in the season at Hooper Eblen Center at 3 p.m. CT on Saturday. Watch live on ESPN+, WCTE-TV PBS – Cookeville, and listen on 106.1 The Eagle.
By Jeff Bowe, TTU Athletics Media Relations
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech men's basketball welcomes Little Rock for a rematch from earlier in the season at Hooper Eblen Center at 3 p.m. CT on Saturday. Watch live on ESPN+, WCTE-TV PBS – Cookeville, and listen on 106.1 The Eagle.
GAME INFORMATION
Matchup: Tennessee Tech (7-14, 2-8 OVC) vs. Little Rock (9-12, 6-4)
Date & Time: Saturday, Jan. 31 | 3 p.m. CT.
Venue: Hooper Eblen Center
Stream: ESPN+ | Dylan Vazzano (PxP) and Steve Smith (Analyst)
Radio: 106.1 The Eagle | Noah McKay (PxP) and Frank Harrell (Analyst)
TV: WCTE-TV PBS - Cookeville
Tennessee Tech vs. Little Rock Game Notes
The Golden Eagles fell to 7-14 overall, and 2-8 in OVC play with a 62-58 loss to SIUE on the road a week ago. Tech has dropped four in a row and eight of its last nine games dating back to Jan. 10 when it defeated Western Illinois, 59-54, to earn its second win in conference.
LAST GAME
Tech men's basketball kept it to within a one-possession game in a 62-58 loss at SIUE on Saturday afternoon. JaJuan Nicholls had 17 points, Mekhi Cameron notched 15, and Ty Owens added 11 in a 62-58 loss to SIUE on the road. Nicholls recorded his second straight double-digit performance with 17 points on 8-of-13 (61.5%) shooting and 1-of-3 (33.3%) from the line, after scoring 15 at Lindenwood on Thursday. At the 8:03-mark of the 1st half, the Golden Eagles trailed 21-8, but from that point on, Tech outscored SIUE 16-6 to close to within three at the halftime break, 27-24. In the second half, the Golden Eagles kept it close but ultimately couldn't tackle the four-point deficit.
SCORING LEADERS
Mekhi Cameron leads the team with 11.2 points per game while shooting 41.0 percent (73-178) from the field. Cameron leads the team, averaging 26.0 minutes per game. He is fourth on the team with 3.9 rebounds per contest. Dani Pounds is second on the team, averaging 10.6 points per game while shooting 52.4 percent (66-126) from the field. JaJuan Nicholls is third on the team in scoring with 9.8 points per game while leading the team in shooting percentage (63.4, 83-131). The Golden Eagles are averaging 73.3 points per game while allowing 76.4 points per contest, shooting 44.1 percent (545-1237) as a team from the field.
INSIDE THE SERIES
Overall: TTU trails 1-6
In Cookeville: TTU trails 0-3
In Little Rock: TTU trails 1-3
Neutral sites: 0-0
Current Streak: TTU has lost 6
Last Meeting: Tech lost 77-58 at Little Rock on Jan. 1, 2026
COACHES VS. CANCER
The American Cancer Society's Coaches vs. Cancer - suits and sneakers ® week is a nationwide event that unites coaches across the country to raise funds and awareness about the fight against cancer and promotes the American Cancer Society as a source of inspiration and hope for those facing cancer. While coaching games during the week, coaches wear sneakers with their suits as a visible reminder of their support of the American Cancer Society. Coaches participating in suits and sneakers week help raise visibility and funds to support the American Cancer Society's work to help cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in their cancer journeys. Each year, coaches across the country contribute to our mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The program empowers basketball and other athletic coaches to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society by leveraging community leadership.
OPPONENT NOTES
Little Rock took the first matchup 77-58 on Jan. 1, 2026. Johnathan Lawson led the offensive charge with 20 points, hitting four three-pointers while also contributing six assists and three steals. Toungthach Gatkek was a force inside, scoring 15 points while grabbing nine rebounds and blocking two shots. Truman Claytor IV added 13 points and two steals, providing a spark on both ends.
Little Rock fell to 9-12 overall, and 6-4 in OVC play with a 70-63 loss to Tennessee State on Thursday. It marked its second straight loss after falling to SEMO 70-65 on Thursday, Jan. 22.
PURCHASE TICKETS
Tickets for Tennessee Tech Men's Basketball are on sale now – call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office, or order online at TTUsports.com.
FOLLOW THE GOLDEN EAGLES
Fans can be sure to follow the Golden Eagles men's basketball team on X (@TTU_Basketball), Instagram (TTUMBB), and Facebook (TTU MBB) for all news, notes, and updates.
