Foundation Laid

(Evansville, IN) – When UT-Martin hired Heath Schroyer as the Head Coach of the men’s basketball team, they didn’t expect a postseason appearance in year number one. But they did hire a man who knows how to rebuild programs that need big adjustments.

Year one was a smashing success! Schroyer’s team finished 21-13 and not only earned a postseason opportunity, but won three postseason games. Those are the first Division 1 postseason victories in Skyhawks’ history.

Martin went 10-6 in Ohio Valley Conference play, but a disappointing Music City Madness loss to Morehead State, seemed to end their season. A College Insider.com Tournament bid came and the Skyhawks took the ticket and ran.

Road wins at Northwestern State, USC Upstate and OVC rival Eastern Kentucky brought the travel weary squad to Evansville. Terrific three-point shooting (13 of 27) kept them in the game, but the Purple Aces were too efficient and physical to be deterred. Evansville won it 79-66.

For a team that won 21 games the past three seasons COMBINED, this was an amazing campaign. After losing senior post player Myles Taylor early in the season, the Skyhawks shot the three ball with abandon, making almost eight per game.

After Wednesday’s game, Schroyer said he was proud of his team and the foundation the seniors have laid for the future of Skyhawk basketball. But he knows there are great challenges in playing in an improving OVC.

 

 

UT-Martin loses four seniors including Taylor, and prolific scorers Deville Smith and Marshun Newell. Three point bomber Alex Anderson (94 treys) and Twymond Howard (the team’s second leading scorer) return as the core of Schroyer’s 2015-16 team.

Five OVC teams played extra basketball this season, with Eastern Illinois joining the Skyhawks in achieving their first ever postseason win. Three programs (Eastern Kentucky, SIUE and SEMO) are looking for new coaches. The 2015-16 season will be one of the most wide open races in recent years.

Do Good