The UT Martin Skyhawks fell 86-75 to the 14-14 Tennessee State Tigers in a physical slugfest.
The Skyhawks and Tigers met earlier in the season in a game that resulted in a heartbreaking 80-81 overtime loss, a loss that proved just how competitive both teams were.
This most recent meeting would be no different. The Skyhawks and Tigers would go back and forth with and-1s, tough layups and contested threes.
As both teams went back and forth, the Tigers would find their stride; going on an 18-3 run in the middle of the first half to give TSU a commanding lead over the Skyhawks.
The Skyhawks would battle back late in the half with two quick buckets from junior guard Tarence Guinyard before a buzzer beater double-clutch three pointer from TSU guard Knute Wood smothered those efforts.
The Skyhawks would find much more success on offense later in the game, shooting 65.2% from the field and 62.5% from beyond the arc in the second half.
Guinyard would try his best to lead the Skyhawks back in the second half, scoring 16 of his 20 points in the second half to go along with three steals and three assists.
Other contributors for the Skyhawks included junior guard Josué Grullon (12 points) and sophomore guard/forward Andrija Bukumirović (eight points; nine rebounds).
In the second half, the Skyhawks would come out with much more energy, keeping pace with the Tigers and even gaining some ground. However, the efforts would not be enough and the Skyhawks would trail the Tigers for the remainder of the game.
Unfortunately, the Skyhawks would not be able to prevent the Tigers from having similar success scoring the ball. Combine that with looser defense frequently providing TSU with free-throw opportunities and you get a recipe for staying behind in a game.
The Skyhawks would battle and fight back within 13 points with just under minute and a half remaining but would fall short to the Tigers 86-75.
“Tennessee State is a such a good team and we knew it would be a battle,” UT Martin head coach Jeremy Shulman said, “…unfortunately we weren’t up for the challenge tonight.”
The Skyhawks’ next game will take them to Cookeville, Tennessee to face the 13-14 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles on Thursday, Feb. 20 with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m..
