Published: January 11, 2008 02:09 pm         

MSU women win in Volunteer State, men fall

COOKEVILLE, TENN - Morehead State held host Tennessee Tech to 30 percent shooting, while senior Afton Perry posted big numbers with 14 points, a career high tying 15 rebounds, and a career high seven blocks as the Eagles won on the road at Tenessee Tech, 51-49, Monday night at the Eblen Center.

The Eagles halted a three-game losing streak and improved to 4-10 overall and 2-4 in the OVC.

"We deserved to win tonight," said head coach Mike Bradbury. "This was a total team win. We held them to 30 percent shooting and we really played a great game. We needed this win, and I am extremely proud of everyone on this team tonight."

Perry was 6-of-10 from the field for 14 points. She collected 12 defensive rebounds among her 15 total boards. Perry also held Tennesse Tech center Kristina Tyler in check. Tyler had scored 59 points in the last two games, but had just 14 tonight. Meagan Lyons also added 14 for Tech. Chynna Bozeman also reached double figures for the 10th game with 10 points.

The Eagles shot 35 percent themselves, including 37 percent in the first half when it took a 27-22 lead.

The game came down to almost the final horn. With the game tied at 47 with 1:24 left, MSU senior Tarah Combs drilled a trey to give her team a 50-47 lead. However, Tech crept back to within one (50-49) on the strength on two Mandy Mendenhall free throws. Tech fouled three straight times, and MSU went into the bonus situation.

Anitha Smith-Williams hit the front end of a one-and-one for a 51-49 MSU lead. Tech had a chance to tie or win, but the Eagles' stifling defense on a in-bounds pass forced a five-second call in front of the Tech bench with eight seconds left. Tech had one more chance after Perry missed a free throw, but Allison's Price desperation toss from about 40 feet fell short.

Tennessee Tech ended the first half on a 34-7 run and defeated Morehead State 73-55 Monday (Jan. 7) evening at the Eblen Center in Cookeville.

Tech, now 6-10 overall and 3-3 in the Ohio Valley Conference, got 14 points from Anthony Fisher, 13 points from Amadi McKenzie, 12 points from David Minaya and 10 points from Frank Davis.

Morehead State, now 4-9 overall and 2-4 in the league, was led by Leon Buchanan who scored 11 points. Jamyron Steward added 10 points.

"Tech is a talented team," said MSU Head Coach Donnie Tyndall. "The have two all-league players in Fisher and McKenzie and a great deal of depth.

"We obviously didn't close out the first half like we needed to, but we did battle back and out-score them in the second half. We were just too far behind."

After shooting 60 percent in the first half, Tech ended the game at 48 percent. MSU hit 34.6 percent from the field. TTU out-rebounded MSU, 38-to-30. McKenzie led Tech rebounders with seven, Kenneth Faried led MSU, also with seven rebounds.

MSU hosted Eastern Kentucky for a league doubleheader last night.