Golden Eagles say goodbye to 2013 senior class in regular season finale
With a glimmer of hope still remaining for a playoff spot in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament, the Tennessee Tech men's basketball team knows that Saturday's game is more than just the regular season finale and Senior Farewell.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – With a glimmer of hope still remaining for a playoff spot in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament, the Tennessee Tech men's basketball team knows that Saturday's game is more than just the regular season finale and Senior Farewell. It's a must-win game that could propel the Golden Eagles into post-season play.
The Golden Eagles will host Morehead State on Senior Night, as seniors Jud Dillard and Terrell Barnes will suit up at the Eblen Center for the final time in their careers.
Morehead State (14-16, 8-7)
vs.
Tennessee Tech (11-17, 4-11)
Saturday, March 2, 2013 / 7:30 p.m. CST
Eblen Center – Cookeville, Tenn.
The Broadcasts
Television: none
Radio: Fox Sports Radio, 106.1 The Eagle (Roger Ealey)
Webcast: Live on OVC Digital Network (Brandon Goodwin)
Setting the Stage
Morehead State creeps into the Eblen Center after stealing this year's first match-up in the final seconds to earn a 65-63 win in Morehead two weeks ago.
| Year | Location | Result | Score |
| 2008-09 | Cookeville, Tenn. |
L | 72-64 |
| 2009-10 | Cookeville, Tenn. |
L | 77-64 |
| 2009-10 | Morehead, Ky. |
L | 84-75 |
| 2009-10 | Nashville, Tenn. |
L | 76-47 |
| 2010-11 | Morehead, Ky. |
L | 76-64 |
| 2010-11 | Cookeville, Tenn. |
L | 76-60 |
| 2010-11 | Nashville, Tenn. |
L | 80-73 |
| 2011-12 | Cookeville, Tenn. |
W | 66-55 |
| 2011-12 | Morehead, Ky. |
L | 56-50 |
| 2012-13 | Morehead, Ky. |
L | 65-63 |
Angelo Warner's layup with nine seconds remaining proved to be the game-winner as Morehead State pulled out a heart-stopping 65-63 Ohio Valley Conference victory over Tennessee Tech in Johnson Arena.
A closely-challenged 3-point shot by Jud Dillard four seconds earlier missed the mark, and MSU's Devon Atkinson got the rebound and fed Warner at the other end. Dillard, who was knocked to the floor on his shot, picked himself up off the hardwood, raced downcourt and was charged with a foul on Warner's basket.
The ensuing free throw missed, and Tech's final attempt, a long 3-point try from Jeremiah Samarrippas, hit the rim and the clock expired.
Setting the Stage
Two members of the Golden Eagle squad and one manager will be honored in the pregame for their hard work and dedication over the previous four years.
Terrell Barnes: A four-starter under head coaches Mike Sutton and Steve Payne, this senior has amassed 84 starts in 118 games played during his time in a Golden Eagle uniform. In four seasons, he has racked up over 500 rebounds and nearly 400 points while recording over 100 assists and playing almost 2,500 minutes. Limited this season with a foot injury, Barnes has grown into a valuable leader both on and off the court for head coach Steve Payne and the rest of the Golden Eagle men’s basketball team.
Jud Dillard: In four years as Golden Eagle, this senior has added his name all over the Tech record books, earning numerous accolades and honors along the way. Playing in his 123 career- game Saturday night, which is tied for fourth most in school history, he has made 78 starts while ranking in the top ten in program history with over 1,700 points and 800 rebounds. With 26 career double-doubles, this senior has amassed over 100 steals and 150 assists while knocking down 50 percent of his shots from the field. This season he tied the school record for consecutive free throws made with 30. Currently ranked second in the OVC in scoring with 19.2 points per game and fifth with 7.8 rebounds, Dillard has earned several awards throughout his career including OVC Player of the Week two times, OVC Freshman of the Week three times, 2011 OVC All-Tournament Team, 2012 All-OVC First Team, and 2013 Preseason All-OVC.
Fans can tune in to 106.1 The Eagle to listen to live coverage of Tech's contest against the Eagles on Thursday. Radio coverage will begin 15 minutes prior to the 5:30 p.m. CST tip-off time of the women's game and continue throughout the men's contest. Fans can also view the live game feed on the OVC Digital Network, the Ohio Valley Conference's live webstream for free here.
To read more about the upcoming game and Tennessee Tech basketball, take a look at the game notes for the match-up against Morehead State here.
For tickets, please visit or call the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center (931-372-3940).
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