Tech out-shone offensively at Murray State
MURRAY, Ky. – Tennessee Tech's offense was not short on firepower Saturday night at Murray State.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
11 | 18 | 24 | 20 | 73 |
|
|
18 | 20 | 16 | 26 | 80 |
Team Stats
Murray State
| Game Statistics | Tennessee Tech | Murray State |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | (30-64) | (27-56) |
| Field Goal % | 46.9% | 48.2% |
| Rebounds | 35 | 34 |
| Assists | 19 | 12 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 14 |
| Pts off Turnovers | 16 | 22 |
| 2nd Chance Pts | 16 | 22 |
| Bench Pts | 10 | 13 |
By Layne Weitzel, TTU Sports Information
MURRAY, Ky. – Tennessee Tech's offense was not short on firepower Saturday night at Murray State.
But the Racers, aided by senior Ke'Shunan James' 37 points and fueled by the added emotion of Senior Night, were just a bit better. They took the win by a score of 80-73 to end Tech's 2017-18 road schedule and sweep the season series.
The Golden Eagles took advantage of Murray State's weak scoring defense to put up one of its best offensive performances of the season. Tech scored at least 70 points for the fourth time overall and just the first time in conference play this year.
Four Tech players reached double-figures for the fifth time this season – MacKenzie Coleman led the way with 20 points off an impressive 9-of-10 performance from the field, Yaktavia "Shug" Hickson followed with 15 points, and Jordan Brock and Akia Harris put up 12 and 11 points respectively. Coleman also paced the team with eight boards.
Overall, Tech took 64 shots to finish the night at 46.9 percent from the field, its second-best mark of the season after shooting 48.2 percent against Cumberland University back in December. Its point total also marked its most since scoring 83 on Cumberland.
Tech was extremely unselfish with the basketball, tying a season-high in team assists with 19. Three Golden Eagles had four or more, and Jordan Brock set a new career-high with six.
The Golden Eagles additionally out-rebounded Murray State by one board and claimed 14 offensive rebounds.
As always, Tech was full of fight and resolve, but Murray State was simply the better team tonight. The Golden Eagles could not stop standout James, who collected over 46 percent of Murray State's points. The Racers also got 29 chances at the free-throw line, sinking 21 of them, while Tech had to make do with going 6-for-8.
"These kids' heart and their fight – I love coaching them every day," said head coach Kim Rosamond.
The Golden Eagles were without recent starter Abby Buckner tonight due to an ankle injury.
