By Callie Smith
Sports Editor
Tech men’s basketball took their third straight OVC conference loss at SIUE on Saturday, Jan. 27.
The matchup against the Cougars on Saturday resulted in a 57-74 loss for the Golden Eagles. This kept the losing streak going after falling to Eastern Illinois and Tennessee State the previous week. The Golden Eagles currently sit at 2-6 in the OVC.
The Tech team was able to outscore SIUE by three possessions in the second half, 38-29. But even with the extra 9-points above, the deficit of the first quarter was too much to overcome for the purple and gold. SIUE outscored Tech 45-19 in the first half. This set the Golden Eagles back to an unthinkable catch up.
The Golden Eagles had a hard time finding the rim in the first half in Edwardsville, hitting only 23% of shots taken and being 1/10 from the three-point range. The highest scoring Golden Eagle was Josiah Davis with 9-points. The rest of the team sat below five.
The offense finally got moving in the second half and the Golden Eagles more than doubled their baskets made, finishing the half at an incredible 51% shots made while being 6/12 for three-pointers. This is after losing senior Diante Wood to injury. Injury has been a stumbling block for the purple and gold this season, setting the team back to only nine players. Josiah Davis also led the second half with 10-points. Kyle Layton and Daniel Egbuniwe just behind him with 8-points each.
Game leaders against SIUE include: Josiah Davis with 16-points, 7-rebounds and 4-assists. Daniel Egbuniwe with 8-points, 7-rebounds and 2-assists. Kyle Layton with 10-points, 2-rebounds and 1-assist.
The month of February holds nine OVC regular season games for the Golden Eagles. You can catch the purple and gold back at The Hooper-Eblen Center on Thursday, Feb. 1 for a rematch against Southern Indiana at 7:30 p.m. The Golden Eagles will also be on their home court Saturday, Feb. 3 facing Morehead State once again at 3pm.
The Golden Eagles are looking for their next potential win against Southern Indiana. The Tech team was able to capture their first OVC win in Evansville three weeks ago against the Steaming Eagles, 73-59.
If you are unable to join the purple and gold this week in Cookeville, all Tech basketball games can be streamed on ESPN+.
Jayvis Harvey (13) takes a free throw at the Jan 13 game against Southeast Missouri.
PHOTO BY LILLY DAVIS
