Feb. 28, 2007

Cookeville, Tenn. - Tennessee Tech used a smothering man to man defense and hot shooting to beat Southeast Missouri State 88-60 in the opening round of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.

Behind the torrid shooting of guards Anthony Fisher and Belton Rivers, Tennessee Tech, 19-12, built up a 38-24 halftime lead. The Golden Eagles started the second half on a 12-5 run to up the lead to 21 and then coasted to the victory. Fisher and Rivers each ended the night with 17 points while Rashaud Nixon scored 14 and Amadi McKenzie 11.

Southeast Missouri, 11-20, was led by Brandon Foust with 10 points while Dionte Perry added nine points and a game-high 10 rebounds.

The Redhawks only seniors, Terrick Willoughby and Tyrell White, had solid games with Willoughby scoring eight points and White six on 3-3 shooting from the field.