Sports

Men’s basketball needs win for post season play

Tech men’s basketball team busted the bracket chances for the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a 68-62 win in Saturday night’s “Blizzard” at The Hoop.
The victory was the Golden Eagles’ second consecutive win and their fourth straight win at home.
“We’ve had a tough schedule this season and we’ve had some guys banged up but I don’t allow them to make that an excuse,” head coach Steve Payne said. “We have nine good players and we get the best out of all of them.”
Golden Eagle senior guard Jud Dillard racked up 20 points while pulling down 8 boards.
Junior forward Dennis Ogbe had 16 points and 8 rebounds as well to help Dillard lead the category for the team.
Junior point-guard Jeremiah Samarrippas hit two big three-pointers late in the game and caused a turnover in the final minute of regulation to cap off his 10-point night.
The UMKC scoring attack was led by junior guard Nelson Kirksey who had 16 points and 8 rebounds while junior forward Fred Chatmon had a game-high 10 rebounds for the visiting Kangaroos.
The Golden Eagles had a 28-25 lead at the break and went on to out-score the Kangaroos 40-37 in the second half to seal the 6-point win.
The victory puts the OVC tournament in the Golden Eagles’ sights.
“This was a huge win for us and now we’re that much closer to making the tournament,” senior center, Terrell Barnes said. “We have a great chance to win these last two games and make an appearance.”
Tech hosts Morehead State comes to wrap up the regular season and OVC play for Senior Night on March 2.
Tip-off at The Hoop is at 7:30 p.m.