Tech basketball returns home to play three in the Hoop this week
After sweeping their last road trip for the first time in several years this past weekend, the Golden Eagle men’s basketball team is back in action on their home court for a three-game stand this week.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- After sweeping their last road trip for the first time in several years this past weekend, the Golden Eagle men’s basketball team is back in action on their home court for a three-game stand this week.
Tech will take on Eastern Kentucky on Thursday, Morehead State on Saturday and Austin Peay on Monday this week in the second match-up of the season against each team. The Golden Eagles went 2-1 against the three opponents on the road earlier, losing only to the Racers in Morehead on Jan. 6.
With a tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, the men’s game against EKU – the second of the nights double-header event with the women’s team – provides the first opportunity of the week for the Golden Eagles to sweep the season. The last time the two teams matched up, junior Zach Bailey and sophomore Jud Dillard led the Golden Eagles with 15 points apiece en route to a handy 78-66 road win to cap off the Death Valley road swing.
The win narrowed the lifetime series gap to 53-68 in favor of the Colonels, and snapped a five-game losing streak for the Golden Eagles.
EKU is currently sitting with a 6-5 record in conference, 12-10 overall, while the Golden Eagles’ 7-4 OVC stand leaves them tied at one game out of first place with Morehead State and Tennessee State. With last weekend’s two road wins, Tech has amassed an overall record of 11-9.
Thursday night’s games will also mark an opportunity for Tech to host some special events for the community. TTU will host Military Appreciation Night – which gives all active members of the military and veterans free admission to both games with a valid ID – Upward Basketball Night, which admits youth ball players in the community for free if they’re wearing their jerseys, and allows family members admission for only $1.
Tech will also host Academic Excellence Night on Thursday, which honors eligible students in the community who have achieved in the classroom with free admission to the contests.
The first 1,500 fans to come through the doors of the Hoop will also receive Cumberland Insurance Purple Pride Rally Towels, which can be presented at future games for additional incentives.
Additionally, Tennessee Tech will be recognizing junior guard Kevin Murphy with a commemorative 1,000-point ball for his becoming a member of Tech’s 1,000-point club. The presentation will be held just prior to the 7:30 p.m. tip-off.
Fans who can’t make it to the hoop for Thursday’s games 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). Tickets are available at TTUsports.com or by calling the TTU Ticket Office at (931) 372-3940.
Click here to hear a message from Head Coach Mike Sutton and junior point guard Zac Swansey about this week’s upcoming games.
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