OVC’s First Day in the Books
(St. Louis, MO) – It was a tough day at the office during the Ohio Valley Conference’s first day of the season, but there were bright spots. The OVC won just two of nine games and allowed at least 90 points four times, but Southeast Missouri’s win over Lipscomb was significant.
Three teams (Western Illinois, Southern Indiana and Tennessee State) lost to Missouri Valley teams and two (Eastern Illinois and Lindenwood) dropped decisions to power five conference programs.
UT Martin took American Conference competitor Tulane to double-over time before losing 100-98. The Skyhawks connected on seventeen, three-point shots and three players scored at least 20 points.
Two freshman recorded a double-doubles. Kaan Onat scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Sasha Savkov added twenty and ten. Davi Remagen sank 5 long distance baskets on the way to 24 points.
SEMO and SIUE Win Openers
While Southern Illinois Edwardsville’s win was against non-Division 1 opponent Eureka, the Cougars did it in convincing fashion (91-39). All thirteen Cougars that participated, scored points. Preseason, ‘player to watch’ Tyler King, did not play.
The OVC’s only D1 victory came in Cape Girardeau. Southeast Missouri defeated Lipscomb 86-79. Four Redhawks reached double figures and Drew Cooper led the way with 14 points. Junior college transfer Fontaine Williams Jr added 13 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Other Top Performers
That trio of UT Martin scorers were the only three to top the twenty-point mark and the double digit rebounding performances by Onat and Savkov were the only such achievements.
Lindenwood’s Malek Archie scored 18 points and and grabbed eight rebounds. Tennessee State’s Ty-Laur Johnson contributed 15. SIUE freshman Brennan Miller scored 13 point and grabbed eight boards.
Wednesday’s Schedule
Three games against non-D1 opponents are on Wednesday’s schedule. SIUE hosts Concordia Chicago. SEMO entertains Webster University and Southern Indiana welcomes Saint Mary of the Woods.
Do Good
Editor: Cover photo courtesy of utmsports.com.
Twitter Feed
Earning opening night victories were @UIC_MBB where @RobEhsan coached his 200th game, @ValpoBasketball where @RogerPowellJr coached his 100th & @BelmontMBB where @EvanBradds coached his 1st. Congrats gentlemen! #FatherHarry
Could have been a huge road win for @Redbird_MBB but didn’t get a good look at the end of regulation and weren’t good in OT and they lose at St. Mary’s. @JohnKinziger gets 30 in the loss. #FatherHarry
Sophomores staring for @MVCsports tonight. @RacersHoops’ Domon with 22, @BelmontMBB’s Smiley with 24; @ValpoBasketball’s Pettigrew with 18. #FatherHarry
So much to fall about in @MVCsports hoops. It’s only half time, but @Redbird_MBB leads at St. Mary’s by 6! @SIU_Basketball wins & @Vianneyhoops grad @LukeWalsh1414 scores 14! #FatherHarry
