UTM’s Marshun Newell records his first double-double of the season Wednesday night as the Skyhawks defeated Northern Kentucky 71-56.
The Skyhawks (4-2) are now 2-1 as they reach the halfway mark of their current six game road span. The win is also the third road victory for the Skyhawks this season.
“It was a huge win for us,” said UTM head coach Heath Schroyer. “To get our third road win in the first part of December is a big deal.”
UTM started the game by going back and forth with Northern Kentucky, matching each other shot after shot. It wasn’t until the halfway mark in the first half when the Skyhawks began what would be an 18-0 run to extend their lead. A few quick baskets by Northern Kentucky at the end of the half cut the lead to 10 points and went to the locker room trailing UTM, 32-22. The Skyhawks shot well in the first half by shooting 47 percent from the field and 31 percent from outside the arch.
The Skyhawks continued to show the hot hand in the second half, shooting 62 percent from the field but only converting one 3-pointer. The Skyhawks slowly extended their lead throughout the second half and at one point, had a 22 point lead, the largest in the game. Despite a slight rally late in the game, Northern Kentucky could not muster enough to get back into the game, cutting the lead to as little as 10 points. The Skyhawks continued to fight to the final minute and ended the contest victorious by a final score of 71-56.
Newell and Alex Anderson led all scorers for UTM, each tallying 15 points. Two other Skyhawks also scored double-digits in the game, Twymond Howard with 10 points and Deville Smith with 14 points.
Tayler Persons led Northern Kentucky in the stat sheet, scoring 15 points and three rebounds.
Overall, the Skyhawk’s defense held Northern Kentucky to 42 percent shooting and forced 14 turnovers. The Skyhawks also had 14 turnovers but also out-rebounded their opponent 37-22 and shot 53 percent from the field.
“I thought we played well at times and thought we really guarded – defensively,” said Schroyer. “I thought this was our best game so far.”
The Skyhawks will continue the second half of their road span, and will travel to Farmville, Virgina to take on the Longwood University Lancers on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
