With the winter sports seasons now concluded, it is time to turn out attention to spring sports and championships. The first spring OVC championship will be held on April 16-18 (tennis) in Paducah, Ky.
The spring championship season will conclude with baseball on May 26-30 at Pringles Park in Jackson, Tenn. This marks the first time the event will be held at this venue, home of the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Double A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners).
Tickets for that event will go on sale April 1 (more information on that later), but for now check out this promotional video produced by OVC intern Grant Finley.
OVC INSIDER: Insights, analysis and a behind-the-scenes look at the Ohio Valley Conference.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
OVC Insider - Episode 9 Now Available
The webisode companion to our blog, fans can now watch episode seven of "OVC Insider" to catch-up on the latest news and information from around the league.
Below is the ninth episode hosted by OVC interns Grant Finley and Viki Arias.
Please let us know what you think and if you have any topics you would like to see covered in a future episode.
Below is the ninth episode hosted by OVC interns Grant Finley and Viki Arias.
Please let us know what you think and if you have any topics you would like to see covered in a future episode.
What Murray is Helping Prove to the Rest of Basketball
This is finally the year when "mid-majors" or smaller programs, are proving themselves worthy of playing in the Big Dance. Of the teams left in the Sweet 16, #9 UNI, #5 Butler #6 Xavier #10 St. Mary's #11 Washington and #12 Cornell are still in the mix.
Still, I think not all skeptics are convinced smaller basketball programs are legit. Many think it was fluke that this year they won. That the bigger, mightier teams just ran out of time. And many are saying upsets are fun in the first and second rounds, but the big boys should be left to handle it the rest of the way. I just got done reading an article on cbs.com that really made me mad.
We like upsets early but want powers there in the end.
For instance, there was nothing more awesome than watching Northern Iowa outwork Kansas, nothing more fun than watching Ali Farokhmanesh pull up and bury that open 3-pointer in the final seconds for the win. Great moment, great game, great story that'll stick with us forever. But doesn't it kind of stink that Kansas is no longer around? The Jayhawks are still one of the nation's best teams with a star point guard and future Hall of Fame coach. They were nearly the unanimous No. 1 in the preseason and unanimous No. 1 after the regular season, and the Final Four will be missing something because it's missing them.
We like Greatness vs. Greatness or Cinderella vs. Greatness. What we do not like is Cinderella vs. Pretty Goodness. And we don't like Cinderella vs. Cinderella, either. That's called BracketBusters.
Ouch. That last line hurt. Just because these smaller schools like Northern Iowa or Murray, who has about a third of the enrollment than Kentucky, may not have the same amount money or noteriety, you are telling me aren't equipped to play with teams in the power conferences, and don't deserve to be there? I don't miss Kansas because I want to see teams that are hot right now. Unless its my team, name doesn't so much matter.
What it comes down to is athleticism and the will to win, and if you have this on your team, you can compete with anyone no matter your college size or the ability to make money for your school. To make a Division 1 college athletic team you have to be an elite athlete. To make it into the tournament you have to be playing at the top of your game. And I don't care who you are, if you've got athletic players and a coach that utilizes its players into a winning system, any team can beat any team on any given day.
Now I know this isn't true for all schools. Some should hold that "mid-major" status proud. But Murray has helped show that a balanced offense with plenty of sharp shooters that can hit a jumper when it counts can help your team win games. And UNI is showing if you've got huge guys like Jordan Eglseder and Adam Koch on the inside using sheer athleticism and strength to win the ball in the paint you can beat a Cole Aldrich maybe doesn't always live up to the hype.
I'm proud that our OVC school, Murray State, can call itself one of the schools paving the way for teams not in BCS conferences to make a statement in college basketball.
Our conference staff was so excited when Danero Thomas hit that game winning shot to beat Vandy, one of the best teams in the SEC. Because it's not every year we have a team this good. We don't expect to have 5 teams from our conference in the tournament like some of the bigger conferences may. You should have seen us jumping around after that shot sank at the buzzer like we just won the national championship. Why? Because Murray is putting the OVC and small schools on the map. And I hope the teams left in the tourney continue where Murray left off.
Friday, March 19, 2010
What the World is Saying About Murray State
Did you enjoy Murray State's win over Vanderbilt on Thursday? It was a nice way to kick off March Madness and gave the OVC a nice little boost.
The league won a game last year (the Opening Round game) and while it does count as a victory in the NCAA Tournament (and brought an extra "unit" of revenue to the league) it was not the marquee victory the league had been searching for since Middle Tennessee State won in 1989.
In fact the league had 3 straight marquee wins at the end of the 1980s, as Austin Peay beat Illinois in 1987 (the famous Dick Vitale "I will stand on my head" game), Murray State topped N.C. State in 1988 (the Racers only other NCAA win before yesterday; a game later in the tournament they barely lost to Danny Manning's Kansas team that would go on to win it all) and MTSU beat Florida State in 1989. But no OVC team had advanced to the 2nd round until this year.
Thanks to Danero Thomas' big shot, the Racers made a national splash and will look to back the Sweet 16 when they take on Butler on Saturday afternoon.
Below are a few of the articles about the Racers win over the Commodores. Included is a article from the Nashville Tennessean who chose not to run an article after Murray State won the OVC Championship in the city on March 6 ... my thought is they are probably paying a little bit more attention to the Racers and the OVC now!
Danero Thomas' Patient Buzzer-Beater Gives Murray State Legacy Win - Ann Killion, SI.com
Miracle Shot Lifts Murray State - Diamond Leung, ESPN.com
Murray State Revels in Opening Madness - Mark Purdy, Mercury News
Racers Beat Vandy at Buzzer, Move Into 2nd Round - David Ramey, Examiner.com
Led by Murray State ... - Michael Wilbon, Washington Post
Candid Cam: Murray Madness Christens NCAA Slate - Cam Inman, Mercury News
Loss is 'Just Heartbreaking' - Jeff Lockridge, The Tennessean
The league won a game last year (the Opening Round game) and while it does count as a victory in the NCAA Tournament (and brought an extra "unit" of revenue to the league) it was not the marquee victory the league had been searching for since Middle Tennessee State won in 1989.
In fact the league had 3 straight marquee wins at the end of the 1980s, as Austin Peay beat Illinois in 1987 (the famous Dick Vitale "I will stand on my head" game), Murray State topped N.C. State in 1988 (the Racers only other NCAA win before yesterday; a game later in the tournament they barely lost to Danny Manning's Kansas team that would go on to win it all) and MTSU beat Florida State in 1989. But no OVC team had advanced to the 2nd round until this year.
Thanks to Danero Thomas' big shot, the Racers made a national splash and will look to back the Sweet 16 when they take on Butler on Saturday afternoon.
Below are a few of the articles about the Racers win over the Commodores. Included is a article from the Nashville Tennessean who chose not to run an article after Murray State won the OVC Championship in the city on March 6 ... my thought is they are probably paying a little bit more attention to the Racers and the OVC now!
Danero Thomas' Patient Buzzer-Beater Gives Murray State Legacy Win - Ann Killion, SI.com
Miracle Shot Lifts Murray State - Diamond Leung, ESPN.com
Murray State Revels in Opening Madness - Mark Purdy, Mercury News
Racers Beat Vandy at Buzzer, Move Into 2nd Round - David Ramey, Examiner.com
Led by Murray State ... - Michael Wilbon, Washington Post
Candid Cam: Murray Madness Christens NCAA Slate - Cam Inman, Mercury News
Loss is 'Just Heartbreaking' - Jeff Lockridge, The Tennessean
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
OVC Insider - Episode 8 Now Available
The webisode companion to our blog, fans can now watch episode seven of "OVC Insider" to catch-up on the latest news and information from around the league.
Below is the eighth episode hosted by OVC interns Grant Finley and Viki Arias.
Please let us know what you think and if you have any topics you would like to see covered in a future episode.
Below is the eighth episode hosted by OVC interns Grant Finley and Viki Arias.
Please let us know what you think and if you have any topics you would like to see covered in a future episode.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Austin Peay Goin Dancin' in Knoxville
The women's NCAA bracket was announced last night and our OVC automatic bid, Austin Peay is set to face Tennessee Saturday at 11:16 on ESPN2. Austin Peay was seeded in the #16 hole while Tennessee is the #1 seed in the Memphis Region. The winner of the game will go on to face the winner of the Dayton/TCU matchup.
The Lady Govs upset top-seeded Eastern Illinois, 69-60, to win its second straight OVC tournament title. It marked the second year in a row that APSU had defeated EIU in the tourney final.
Austin Peay heads into the tournament with a 11-7, 15-17 record. Last year they were seeded 16th as well and faced #1 seeded Duke.
Negatives: The girls are playing #1 Tennessee. It's going to be a tough matchup as Tennessee has been ranked in the top 5 most of the season and carries a 25-8, 11-5 record heading into the postseason.
Positives: Austin Peay is carrying the momentum of winning its second straight OVC championship, and will be a little more familiar with the pressures of the NCAA tournament. The team also gets to play in Knoxville, Tenn., just a few hours from their home in Clarksville, Tenn., so hopefully the large fan base that came to Nashville for the OVC tournament can fill the stands red in Knoxville as well. And, the game is on ESPN2 so that will be some extra motivation for the team to put on a good show as well.
It was clear from the post-game press conference after the championship game the girls were pumped up and excited for the challenge that lie ahead of them, and the way they fought in the championship game, it is clear they won't back down from the Lady Vols without a fight.
Ashley Herring leads the team in scoring with 14.8 points and Nicole Jamen and Jasmine Rayner have a combined 21 points and 16 rebounds, so let's hope the three can keep the Lady Govs in the game and hang with Tennessee as long as they can.
So, bring it on Tennessee, and good luck Lady Govs!
The Lady Govs upset top-seeded Eastern Illinois, 69-60, to win its second straight OVC tournament title. It marked the second year in a row that APSU had defeated EIU in the tourney final.
Austin Peay heads into the tournament with a 11-7, 15-17 record. Last year they were seeded 16th as well and faced #1 seeded Duke.
Negatives: The girls are playing #1 Tennessee. It's going to be a tough matchup as Tennessee has been ranked in the top 5 most of the season and carries a 25-8, 11-5 record heading into the postseason.
Positives: Austin Peay is carrying the momentum of winning its second straight OVC championship, and will be a little more familiar with the pressures of the NCAA tournament. The team also gets to play in Knoxville, Tenn., just a few hours from their home in Clarksville, Tenn., so hopefully the large fan base that came to Nashville for the OVC tournament can fill the stands red in Knoxville as well. And, the game is on ESPN2 so that will be some extra motivation for the team to put on a good show as well.
It was clear from the post-game press conference after the championship game the girls were pumped up and excited for the challenge that lie ahead of them, and the way they fought in the championship game, it is clear they won't back down from the Lady Vols without a fight.
Ashley Herring leads the team in scoring with 14.8 points and Nicole Jamen and Jasmine Rayner have a combined 21 points and 16 rebounds, so let's hope the three can keep the Lady Govs in the game and hang with Tennessee as long as they can.
So, bring it on Tennessee, and good luck Lady Govs!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Go West Young Man!
The 2010 College Basketball National Championship Brackets came out today and the Murray State Racers are slated as the 13th seeded in the West Region (Salt Lake City). Their first round game will take place Thursday in San Jose at HP Pavilion against 4th seeded Vanderbilt. Game time has yet to be determined but will be available on the all-seeing eye that is cbs.
The winner of the of the Murray, Vandy game will take on the winner of the 12th seeded UTEP vs 5th seeded Butler contest.
All things being equal, I actually think Murray has a great shot and making a special run. They say tourney time is all about match ups and the Racers match up well with Vanderbilt. If they can get past them, its another bracket buster weekend with a (i hate the term) "mid major" vs "mid major" and if Murray State has shown anything this year its that it is clearly one of the best (again with the term....) mid major programs in the country.
We'll see how it all shakes out this Thursday in San Jose. Check back with us Wednesday as OVC Insider will highlight the first round match up!
The winner of the of the Murray, Vandy game will take on the winner of the 12th seeded UTEP vs 5th seeded Butler contest.
All things being equal, I actually think Murray has a great shot and making a special run. They say tourney time is all about match ups and the Racers match up well with Vanderbilt. If they can get past them, its another bracket buster weekend with a (i hate the term) "mid major" vs "mid major" and if Murray State has shown anything this year its that it is clearly one of the best (again with the term....) mid major programs in the country.
We'll see how it all shakes out this Thursday in San Jose. Check back with us Wednesday as OVC Insider will highlight the first round match up!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Lady Govs Regaining Post Season Dominanance (The Leaf Chronicle)
Found a nice article from The Leaf Chronicle's James D. Horne about how the Austin Peay women's basketball team has excelled in the past decade in large part to coach Carrie Daniels who created a name for herself after winning Peay's first championship in the 95-96 season.
Peay will play in the women's NCAA tournament after winning the OVC tournament last weekend. ESPN Bracketology has them right now as the 16 seed playing UConn. Below is the article:
At the beginning of this decade, Austin Peay ruled the roost in the OVC, winning four straight tournament championships while earning the automatic trips to the NCAA Tournament.
The Lady Govs' recent run to their second consecutive title at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena in a 69-60 victory over Eastern Illinois last Saturday not only gave the program a seventh championship, it assured their status as the team of the decade.
It was an echo to the past and the first championship the Lady Govs won under then senior guard Carrie Daniels, now head coach, after the 1995-96 season.
"I'm sitting here and it's almost not real to me," Daniels said. "I know it just happened, but no one thought we'd be sitting here again after the way our season went. I always believed in this team and I always knew the talent we had.
"We didn't always perform the best throughout the season, but I never gave up on them. Every night I went home and tossed and turned in bed and tried to find ways to motivate them and try to find ways to get it out of them.
"... It means so much to me to see them experience what I did as a player."
Daniels won her two titles faster than any other coach in Lady Govs' history.
Austin Peay reached the pinnacle as a third seed this year after taking it all as a fifth seed last season. The first two Lady Govs teams that won titles this decade in 2001 and 2002 did so as a third and fourth seed before winning the regular season and tournaments the next two seasons.
Austin Peay will find out where it will play during the NCAA Tournament Selection Show on Monday at 6 p.m. (ESPN, Charter Cable Ch. 35).
"But as a coach, I know what it feels like and what they're going through and it's so special," Daniels said. "To know I'm on the sideline helping guide them, there's nothing like it, and I wouldn't trade anything for it in the world.
"Regardless of how the season went, or how many times I went home frustrated, they mean the world to me and I love them with all my heart."
Peay will play in the women's NCAA tournament after winning the OVC tournament last weekend. ESPN Bracketology has them right now as the 16 seed playing UConn. Below is the article:
At the beginning of this decade, Austin Peay ruled the roost in the OVC, winning four straight tournament championships while earning the automatic trips to the NCAA Tournament.
The Lady Govs' recent run to their second consecutive title at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena in a 69-60 victory over Eastern Illinois last Saturday not only gave the program a seventh championship, it assured their status as the team of the decade.
It was an echo to the past and the first championship the Lady Govs won under then senior guard Carrie Daniels, now head coach, after the 1995-96 season.
"I'm sitting here and it's almost not real to me," Daniels said. "I know it just happened, but no one thought we'd be sitting here again after the way our season went. I always believed in this team and I always knew the talent we had.
"We didn't always perform the best throughout the season, but I never gave up on them. Every night I went home and tossed and turned in bed and tried to find ways to motivate them and try to find ways to get it out of them.
"... It means so much to me to see them experience what I did as a player."
Daniels won her two titles faster than any other coach in Lady Govs' history.
Austin Peay reached the pinnacle as a third seed this year after taking it all as a fifth seed last season. The first two Lady Govs teams that won titles this decade in 2001 and 2002 did so as a third and fourth seed before winning the regular season and tournaments the next two seasons.
Austin Peay will find out where it will play during the NCAA Tournament Selection Show on Monday at 6 p.m. (ESPN, Charter Cable Ch. 35).
"But as a coach, I know what it feels like and what they're going through and it's so special," Daniels said. "To know I'm on the sideline helping guide them, there's nothing like it, and I wouldn't trade anything for it in the world.
"Regardless of how the season went, or how many times I went home frustrated, they mean the world to me and I love them with all my heart."
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
OVC Insider - Episode 7 Now Available
The webisode companion to our blog, fans can now watch episode seven of "OVC Insider" to catch-up on the latest news and information from around the league.
Below is the seventh episode hosted by OVC interns Grant Finley and Viki Arias.
Please let us know what you think and if you have any topics you would like to see covered in a future episode.
Below is the seventh episode hosted by OVC interns Grant Finley and Viki Arias.
Please let us know what you think and if you have any topics you would like to see covered in a future episode.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Murray's Kennedy joins elite class with OVC tournament win
Last weekend Murray State coach Billy Kennedy led his team to the NCAA basketball tournament after his Racers defeated Morehead State in the finals of the OVC tournament. He now joins an elite group of 38 college coaches who have taken two different teams to the big dance. He also did it at Southeastern Louisiana in 2005, his alma mater.
Murray has gone 17-1 this year, and 30-4 overall. The 30 wins this season at MSU is a school record. Kennedy's team also set the single-season victories record at SLU, winning 24, in 2005.
Big props to all Kennedy has done for the Murray State program. Let's hope he can extend his team's momentum into the tournament this year.
The list of other coaches that have led two teams to the NCAA tournament:
Coach First Team /Second Team
Billy Kennedy Southeastern Louisiana/Murray State
Steve Alford Missouri St. /Iowa
Dana Altman Kansas St. /Creighton
Ladell Andersen Utah St. /BYU
Forddy Anderson Bradley/Michigan St.
Mike Anderson UAB/Missouri
Tevester Anderson Murray St./Jackson St.
Murray Arnold Chattanooga/Western Ky.
Ronnie Arrow South Ala./A&M-Corpus Christi
Tom Asbury Pepperdine/Kansas St.
J.D. Barnett VCU/Tulsa
Jim Baron St. Francis (PA)/St. Bonaventure
Murry Bartow UAB/East Tenn. St.
Steve Belko Idaho St. /Oregon
Bob Bender Illinois St. /Washington
Dick Bennett Green Bay/Wisconsin
Bob Boyd Seattle Southern/ California
Todd Bozeman California/Morgan St.
Harold Bradley Duke /Texas
Buster Brannon Rice/TCU
Ben Braun Eastern Wash./California
Mike Brey Delaware/Notre Dame
Larry Brown UCLA/Kansas
Brad Brownell UNC/Wilmington Wright St.
Jim Calhoun Northeastern/Connecticut
John Calipari Massachusetts/Memphis
Lou Campanelli James Madison/California
Jeff Capel N.C. A&T/Old Dominion
Jeff Capel III VCU /Oklahoma
Ben Carnevale North Carolina/Navy
Gale Catlett Cincinnati/West Virginia
Perry Clark Tulane/Miami (FL)
Charlie Coles Central Mich./Miami (OH)
Ozzie Cowles Dartmouth/Michigan
Bobby Cremins Appalachian St./Georgia Tech
Tom Davis Boston College/Iowa
Benny Dees New Orleans/Wyoming
Bob Donewald Illinois St./Western Mich.
Fran Dunphy Penn/Temple
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Murray State Men's champions
Murray State beat Morehead State 62-51 and is going to the NCAA tournament. Leading scorers:
Murray:
Danero Thomas-9
Ivan Aska-8
Tony Easley-7
Isacc Miles-9
Isaiah Canaan-16
Men's Final- Morehead State vs. Murray State 2nd Half
Thomas starts it out with a 3 and gives Murray the lead in the second half.
17:45
Mor's Harper evens it out again! 27 all.
15:10 to play in the game, and each team only has 29. Both teams shooting below 35% in the first half.
11:41
Game again tied at 31. Neither team can pull away for very long!
10:10
Isacc Miles puts Murray up 34-31. Mor's Peterson sits with his 4th foul.
9:20
Faried gets knocked down out of the air going for a rebound and falls down hard on side. When Morehead fans see it on replay, they let the refs have it.
8:39.
Easly gives Murray a 5 point lead. Morehead travels on next play and the Murray fans in the crowd are going wild. Murray has the momentum.
And an Easley gets the crowd even more into it!
6:41
Morehead's Goodman with the layup, down 42-35. He has 7 of the Eagles' points.
5:08
Goodman with the fast break and tries to slam it home but gets blocked by Canaan. But, there was contact. 45-37 Murray.
Murray on an 11-3 run opens up the game. 45-48 with 4:45 to play.
3:40
Canaan with a 3, then Jenkins with a 2. Morehead better silence these Murray fans. Murray 50, Morehead 38.
3:00
Nice long 3 by Harper as we approach 3 minute mark. Murray still up 9.
Easley looks nasty, just gives his team a huge block. Morehead gets ball back and Harper scores a 3 from the corner. 52-44 Murray. Under 2 minutes.
With a minute left, Easley gives fans something to cheer about with a huge slam. That should be it folks! 57-46 Murray.
Morehead just fouling. Murray is up 62-49 as time winds down.
And Murray will win it! 62-51. Racers going dancing.
17:45
Mor's Harper evens it out again! 27 all.
15:10 to play in the game, and each team only has 29. Both teams shooting below 35% in the first half.
11:41
Game again tied at 31. Neither team can pull away for very long!
10:10
Isacc Miles puts Murray up 34-31. Mor's Peterson sits with his 4th foul.
9:20
Faried gets knocked down out of the air going for a rebound and falls down hard on side. When Morehead fans see it on replay, they let the refs have it.
8:39.
Easly gives Murray a 5 point lead. Morehead travels on next play and the Murray fans in the crowd are going wild. Murray has the momentum.
And an Easley gets the crowd even more into it!
6:41
Morehead's Goodman with the layup, down 42-35. He has 7 of the Eagles' points.
5:08
Goodman with the fast break and tries to slam it home but gets blocked by Canaan. But, there was contact. 45-37 Murray.
Murray on an 11-3 run opens up the game. 45-48 with 4:45 to play.
3:40
Canaan with a 3, then Jenkins with a 2. Morehead better silence these Murray fans. Murray 50, Morehead 38.
3:00
Nice long 3 by Harper as we approach 3 minute mark. Murray still up 9.
Easley looks nasty, just gives his team a huge block. Morehead gets ball back and Harper scores a 3 from the corner. 52-44 Murray. Under 2 minutes.
With a minute left, Easley gives fans something to cheer about with a huge slam. That should be it folks! 57-46 Murray.
Morehead just fouling. Murray is up 62-49 as time winds down.
And Murray will win it! 62-51. Racers going dancing.
Men's Final- Morehead State vs. Murray State
Morehead won the tip off! It's loud in the Bridgestone Arena!
18:20
Faried scores first for Morehead!
12:50
Isaah Canaan hits the jump shot, steals the ball right back and puts in an easy layup. Murry takes lead 8-6.
Morehead gets 8th foul with 7:42 left to play, and Stallworth has 3 already. Morehead up 13-11 with 7:42 left first half
7:42
Murray's Aska hits 2 foul shots after the time out to even it all at 13.
4:12
Morehead just hits 2 FTs to make it 17-15 in their favor. Game going back and fourth! Thomas just hit a 2 on the other end. Tied at 17 all!
2:42
Canaan for 3, breaks the tie makes it 20-17. Has 7 points tonight.
1:40
Morehead calls the time out. Down 24-19. Just under 2 minutes to play.
Murray showing solid defense. Faried sinks the hook shot, 24-21 Murray.
Wow, Terrance Hill with the long 3 form the corner at the buzzer to tie the game at 24 at the buzzer. Nice momentum booster for the Eagles.
18:20
Faried scores first for Morehead!
12:50
Isaah Canaan hits the jump shot, steals the ball right back and puts in an easy layup. Murry takes lead 8-6.
Morehead gets 8th foul with 7:42 left to play, and Stallworth has 3 already. Morehead up 13-11 with 7:42 left first half
7:42
Murray's Aska hits 2 foul shots after the time out to even it all at 13.
4:12
Morehead just hits 2 FTs to make it 17-15 in their favor. Game going back and fourth! Thomas just hit a 2 on the other end. Tied at 17 all!
2:42
Canaan for 3, breaks the tie makes it 20-17. Has 7 points tonight.
1:40
Morehead calls the time out. Down 24-19. Just under 2 minutes to play.
Murray showing solid defense. Faried sinks the hook shot, 24-21 Murray.
Wow, Terrance Hill with the long 3 form the corner at the buzzer to tie the game at 24 at the buzzer. Nice momentum booster for the Eagles.
Austin Peay wins Women's basketball final 69-60
Congrats to the Austin Peay Lady Govs who won the women's final over the Eastern Illinois Panthers 69-60.
Leading scorers:
Jasime Rayner-12
Nicole Jamen-19
Whitney Hanley-12
Brooke Faulkner-10
Ashley Herring-15
See pictures and video from the team celebrating!
Leading scorers:
Jasime Rayner-12
Nicole Jamen-19
Whitney Hanley-12
Brooke Faulkner-10
Ashley Herring-15
See pictures and video from the team celebrating!
Women's Final- APSU vs. EIU 2nd half
Final half of the women's final underway!
18:04
APSU starts second half off strong, Faulkner hits a big three from the top of the arc.
14:41
Another Sims/Nixon connection, EIU trying to get back into it. 33-28 APSU.
Nixon and Sims fighting strong for their team. Get it to Pressley who lays it in finally after about 4 tries. Team down 5, but APSU gets a 3 right back. 40-32. EIU calls a time out. Doing all they can, but APSU keeps knocking down shots at any threat from the opposition. Austin Peay crowd getting loud!
15:19
Pressely working hard on the inside. Gets fouled, makes 1-of-2 FTs, her team narrows deficet to 7.
14:18
And Kloak narrows deficet to 5 with a layin. Peay fans not happy, neither is Coach Daniels. Calls a TO.
12:58
Kloaks 2 FTs narrows lead to 3. 40-39 APSU. Kloak has 12.
12:11
And Nixon makes it a 1-point lead! Both crowds on their feet.
18:17
Hanley's 1 made FT makes it 43-39 AP. Then Jamen sinks another two, extending the lead to 6.
EIU coach Sallee just gets a T for arguing with the ref. AP has the momentum, but they just called called for a 5 second. Both teams battling.
9:20
Rayner hits an easy jumper at the FT line. Her team up 9 48-39.
EIU calls a time out after AP has built its lead to 13.
Jamen playing tought today. Has made last 2 jumpers. She has 13 so far and just get the loose ball. AP's ball up 13 with 6:41 to play.
3:30
EIU's Thomas hits a 3. 57-46 EIU. Not over yet.
EIU calls last time out. Team down by 11 as Nixon just hits an easy jumper. Let's see if the OVC freshman of the year can get her team even in these last few minutes.
EIU just fouling. Two of their reserves check in. AP up 66-53.
Well in the last 40 game getting exciting. AP fouling quite a lot, Herring fouls out. Score now AP 66 EIU 59. Just under 30 seconds to play.
Pressley for Eastern fouls out as well. 66-60. Jamen on the line makes 2-of-2 from the line.
That's it form the women's game! APSU final 69-60. EIU goes in the locker room without shaking hands after APSU takes a moment to celebrate.
18:04
APSU starts second half off strong, Faulkner hits a big three from the top of the arc.
14:41
Another Sims/Nixon connection, EIU trying to get back into it. 33-28 APSU.
Nixon and Sims fighting strong for their team. Get it to Pressley who lays it in finally after about 4 tries. Team down 5, but APSU gets a 3 right back. 40-32. EIU calls a time out. Doing all they can, but APSU keeps knocking down shots at any threat from the opposition. Austin Peay crowd getting loud!
15:19
Pressely working hard on the inside. Gets fouled, makes 1-of-2 FTs, her team narrows deficet to 7.
14:18
And Kloak narrows deficet to 5 with a layin. Peay fans not happy, neither is Coach Daniels. Calls a TO.
12:58
Kloaks 2 FTs narrows lead to 3. 40-39 APSU. Kloak has 12.
12:11
And Nixon makes it a 1-point lead! Both crowds on their feet.
18:17
Hanley's 1 made FT makes it 43-39 AP. Then Jamen sinks another two, extending the lead to 6.
EIU coach Sallee just gets a T for arguing with the ref. AP has the momentum, but they just called called for a 5 second. Both teams battling.
9:20
Rayner hits an easy jumper at the FT line. Her team up 9 48-39.
EIU calls a time out after AP has built its lead to 13.
Jamen playing tought today. Has made last 2 jumpers. She has 13 so far and just get the loose ball. AP's ball up 13 with 6:41 to play.
3:30
EIU's Thomas hits a 3. 57-46 EIU. Not over yet.
EIU calls last time out. Team down by 11 as Nixon just hits an easy jumper. Let's see if the OVC freshman of the year can get her team even in these last few minutes.
EIU just fouling. Two of their reserves check in. AP up 66-53.
Well in the last 40 game getting exciting. AP fouling quite a lot, Herring fouls out. Score now AP 66 EIU 59. Just under 30 seconds to play.
Pressley for Eastern fouls out as well. 66-60. Jamen on the line makes 2-of-2 from the line.
That's it form the women's game! APSU final 69-60. EIU goes in the locker room without shaking hands after APSU takes a moment to celebrate.
Women's Final- APSU vs. EIU 1st half
Fans are on their feet! Each team scored on its opening possession.
Maggie Kloak just stuffed Nicole Jamin under the hoop. EIU gets ball back, but turn it over on that possession.
15:36
Jamen scores first points. 6-3 APSU. TIME OUT.
13:02
Nice transition basket by EIU. Nixon with the long pass to Sims who snuck in behind everyone. Nixon is fast! APSU 8, EIU 5.
10:31
Pressley for 3 ends EIU scoring drought. APSU 13, EIU 10.
6:58
Herring puts in a layup, APSU building up a nice lead, 23-11.
5:11
Govs now have scored 7 unanswered points, have all the momentum. Got the ball right back on a Panther turnover. 28-11
4:21
Nixon's 2 FTs first basket for Eastern in about 5 minutes. 28-13.
EIU struggling from the floor, shooting just 17%.
under a minute left, Thomas sinks a nice 3 for EIU. Down but 10 now.
That does it for half one of the women's final. APSU heads to the locker room up 30-22.
Starting Lineups-EIU vs. APSU women
#1 Seed EIU
G-#15 Ta'Kenya Nixon
G-#22 Diminique Sims
G-#24 Ashley Thomas
F-#41 Maggie Kloak
C-#44 Chantelle Pressley
#3 Seed Austin Peay
G- #12 Whitney Hanley
G-#23 Brooke Faulkner
G-#33 Ashley Herring
F-#34 Nicole Jamen
F-#00 Jasmine Rayner
G-#15 Ta'Kenya Nixon
G-#22 Diminique Sims
G-#24 Ashley Thomas
F-#41 Maggie Kloak
C-#44 Chantelle Pressley
#3 Seed Austin Peay
G- #12 Whitney Hanley
G-#23 Brooke Faulkner
G-#33 Ashley Herring
F-#34 Nicole Jamen
F-#00 Jasmine Rayner
Championship day!
Today is our OVC men's and women's basketball finals! The women's game is EIU vs. Austin Peay at 3 PM and the men's game is right after at 7 PM which will be Murray State vs. Morehead State. Our staff is in the building getting ready for day 2!
This video will be the best basketball you will see all day! (JK, but the guys on our staff wish it was!)
EIU and APSU are on the court for first warmups! Everyone on staff is getting excited its championship day!
This video will be the best basketball you will see all day! (JK, but the guys on our staff wish it was!)
EIU and APSU are on the court for first warmups! Everyone on staff is getting excited its championship day!
Friday, March 5, 2010
TTU vs. Morehead State 2nd Half
Second half buzzer! Let's get the last half of our 4 game marathon going!
TTU turns over first possession of the half. Leads to two MSU offensive rebounds
15:27
Nice three by Faried. 45-27 MSU. TTU just doesn't have an answer for Morehead's physical play.
Stallworth has 18 of MSU's points, followed by Faried's 6 and Simmon's 6. Tech shooting 36% on the game, MSU shooting 46.9%
12:52
TTU gets 5 second called on the inbounds. Barnes gets first points of the game on a three pointer. 52-29 Eagles.
8:22
Nice blocked shot by Tech's Alfred Jones. Gives his team the ball back
11:10
Tech's Muhammad scores a 2, 7 points in the game. Finally gets past the 29 point mark. MSU 54- TTU 31.
Under the 10 minute mark. MSU 56, TTU 33.
Tyndall bringing in his reserve players.
3:00
Tech's Jud Dillard lay's in a layup 67-63 MSU. Dillard has 6 points.
It looks like its going to be an all MSU final-Murray State vs Morehead State tomorrow at 7 PM CST. Morehead wins this one 76-47.
TTU turns over first possession of the half. Leads to two MSU offensive rebounds
15:27
Nice three by Faried. 45-27 MSU. TTU just doesn't have an answer for Morehead's physical play.
Stallworth has 18 of MSU's points, followed by Faried's 6 and Simmon's 6. Tech shooting 36% on the game, MSU shooting 46.9%
12:52
TTU gets 5 second called on the inbounds. Barnes gets first points of the game on a three pointer. 52-29 Eagles.
8:22
Nice blocked shot by Tech's Alfred Jones. Gives his team the ball back
11:10
Tech's Muhammad scores a 2, 7 points in the game. Finally gets past the 29 point mark. MSU 54- TTU 31.
Under the 10 minute mark. MSU 56, TTU 33.
Tyndall bringing in his reserve players.
3:00
Tech's Jud Dillard lay's in a layup 67-63 MSU. Dillard has 6 points.
It looks like its going to be an all MSU final-Murray State vs Morehead State tomorrow at 7 PM CST. Morehead wins this one 76-47.
TTU vs. Morehead State 1st half
Tied 2-2 at 18:25
18:01
Morehead's Harper just banked a 3, 5-4 MSU
11:05
Steve Peterson hits a 3, Kenneth Faried draws a charge and ball goes right back to morehead. 14-1 MSU
8:25
Stalworth a jumper from the right side 22-9 MSU. Playing solid defense.
6:14
TTU can't get much to fall. Murphy attempted three and Bailey tried to put it back in, but was fouled in the process. Made 2-of-2 FTs
4:42
Stallworth, after Faried just gets rim as shot clock runs down, hits a three on fresh shot clock. 31-15 Morehead.
Faried and Stallworth pulled out, walk past scores table with smiles on their faces and loud applause from crowd behind me. Stallworth 15 points, Faried 6 points 6 rebs.
3:45
TTU's Muhammad for 3 33-18. 5 points for him.
2:46
Morehead quick getting passes inside. Simmons holding his own on 3 defenders, goes to the line and sinks 2-for-2.
Nice dunk by Taylor Harper with 2:16 left. 37-18 MSU.
Morehead just looking to athletic for Tech. Let's see if the Golden Eagles can get something going in the second half Morehead heads to the locker room leading 39-21.
18:01
Morehead's Harper just banked a 3, 5-4 MSU
11:05
Steve Peterson hits a 3, Kenneth Faried draws a charge and ball goes right back to morehead. 14-1 MSU
8:25
Stalworth a jumper from the right side 22-9 MSU. Playing solid defense.
6:14
TTU can't get much to fall. Murphy attempted three and Bailey tried to put it back in, but was fouled in the process. Made 2-of-2 FTs
4:42
Stallworth, after Faried just gets rim as shot clock runs down, hits a three on fresh shot clock. 31-15 Morehead.
Faried and Stallworth pulled out, walk past scores table with smiles on their faces and loud applause from crowd behind me. Stallworth 15 points, Faried 6 points 6 rebs.
3:45
TTU's Muhammad for 3 33-18. 5 points for him.
2:46
Morehead quick getting passes inside. Simmons holding his own on 3 defenders, goes to the line and sinks 2-for-2.
Nice dunk by Taylor Harper with 2:16 left. 37-18 MSU.
Morehead just looking to athletic for Tech. Let's see if the Golden Eagles can get something going in the second half Morehead heads to the locker room leading 39-21.
Murray State vs. EIU Men 2nd Half
Second half underway! Murray looking to overcome sloppy 1st start, shooting just 25% from the field goal
18:29
Tony Easley with another dunk! This time an and-1 which he swishes. 26-23 MSU.
Overheard from EIU huddle: "We have to be so hungry we have to get every ball!"
13:43
BJ Jenkins hits a layup, gives his team the lead for now at 32-30. Wait, Cissee for EIU just scored. 32 all! EIU hanging in there staying strong.
11:09
Isaac Miles hits a 3 pointer from the sideline. Brings Murray to within 1, 36-35. But, EIU answers right back. Of course they do! 38-35 EIU.
Loud Murray Chants of DEFENSE, DEFENSE works as team steals ball back at 9:54 mark!
9:10
Isaiah Cannan ties game back up at 39. Then Murray has a huge steal and Pool is fouled on his layup. 41-39 MSU. I think this crowd is giving them some momentum!
7:35
All tied up at 41 kids!
6:10
Huge offensive foul on Hollowell, his third. Gives MSU ball back up 3. And they get their own offensive rebound. 46-43. EIU doesn't need Hollowell in foul trouble! EIU coach calls TIME OUT
5:20
EIU's Hollowell sinks 2 foul shots, steal ball back but called on loose ball foul. 48-45 EIU. Uh oh, foul on Hollowell, his 4th.
EIU coach rubbing his eyes in front of me on the scores table couched down. Looks stressed! I wonder why?
4:44
Tyler Laser with the 2, team only down 49-47.
2:56
Murray basket called off for goaltending. EIU has ball back down 54-49.
1:44
Laser steals ball, Grander takes a shot EIU doesn't really want. Murray gets ball back, still down 5
But EIU still alive, Laser gets quick jumper with 1 minute remaining in game. MSU 54 EIU 51. He's got 8 points tonight.
EIU triple teaming Murray down low, force the TO, ball in Lasers hands. Coach screaming got to go! 12 seconds left. Laser's shot blocked, Cissse attempts quick shot right in front of basket but denied and ball thrown to Murray on its own end. Jenkins hits 1st free throw, keeps Murray up 55-51 with 5 seconds remaining.
Thats it folks! Large Murray crowd going nuts. Headed to tourney final. Final score 55-51. Both teams played tough.
18:29
Tony Easley with another dunk! This time an and-1 which he swishes. 26-23 MSU.
Overheard from EIU huddle: "We have to be so hungry we have to get every ball!"
13:43
BJ Jenkins hits a layup, gives his team the lead for now at 32-30. Wait, Cissee for EIU just scored. 32 all! EIU hanging in there staying strong.
11:09
Isaac Miles hits a 3 pointer from the sideline. Brings Murray to within 1, 36-35. But, EIU answers right back. Of course they do! 38-35 EIU.
Loud Murray Chants of DEFENSE, DEFENSE works as team steals ball back at 9:54 mark!
9:10
Isaiah Cannan ties game back up at 39. Then Murray has a huge steal and Pool is fouled on his layup. 41-39 MSU. I think this crowd is giving them some momentum!
7:35
All tied up at 41 kids!
6:10
Huge offensive foul on Hollowell, his third. Gives MSU ball back up 3. And they get their own offensive rebound. 46-43. EIU doesn't need Hollowell in foul trouble! EIU coach calls TIME OUT
5:20
EIU's Hollowell sinks 2 foul shots, steal ball back but called on loose ball foul. 48-45 EIU. Uh oh, foul on Hollowell, his 4th.
EIU coach rubbing his eyes in front of me on the scores table couched down. Looks stressed! I wonder why?
4:44
Tyler Laser with the 2, team only down 49-47.
2:56
Murray basket called off for goaltending. EIU has ball back down 54-49.
1:44
Laser steals ball, Grander takes a shot EIU doesn't really want. Murray gets ball back, still down 5
But EIU still alive, Laser gets quick jumper with 1 minute remaining in game. MSU 54 EIU 51. He's got 8 points tonight.
EIU triple teaming Murray down low, force the TO, ball in Lasers hands. Coach screaming got to go! 12 seconds left. Laser's shot blocked, Cissse attempts quick shot right in front of basket but denied and ball thrown to Murray on its own end. Jenkins hits 1st free throw, keeps Murray up 55-51 with 5 seconds remaining.
Thats it folks! Large Murray crowd going nuts. Headed to tourney final. Final score 55-51. Both teams played tough.
Murray State vs. EIU Men 1st half
And we're off! Danero Thomas gets the first basket of the game, Murray up 2-0.
Great Murray crowd here. Good to see the Bridgestone Arena loud!
15:41
First Time out. Game tied up at 4.
12:06
EIU's James Hollowell gives his team a 10-6 lead, but Murray won't let them escape that easy. Gets quick shot on next play, 10-8. Next play, Shean Prattle hits a quick jumper. These teams trading baskets. 12-8 EIU.
10:52
Murray's Ivan Aska w a sweet dunk! 10-12 EIU.
Don't forget, you should also be watching this game LIVE on ESPNU right now!
Murray's Tony Easley cleaning up the rebounds! Being tough on the offensive end.
4:53
Murray's BJ Jenkins sinks a 3 from the right side. His team up 21-16.
4:29
Murray going with the Press, forces EIU to turn the ball over. Easly misses a dunk. Murray playing with a lot of intensity right now. He is fouled, sinks both foul shots, 22-16 Racers up.
3:15
EIU's James Hallowell quiets Racers, 22-18 Murray. That's 8 points total for him.
Under a minute to go in the half, Cissee puts in an easy layup. His team only down by 3, 23-20. Murray takes a time out.
Eastern gets ball back. Coach says slow it down, he wants last shot. Granger on the dribble is fouled w 4.4 seconds left.
23-21 Murray over EIU at the half. Youth Media and YMCA Award winner presentations at half time.
APSU vs. Morehead State 2nd Half
Second half underway!
17:57
MSU's Hamilton with the J. Lumpkin forces the turnover who kicks it out to Bozeman on the left side and hits the 3. She's been on fire today. 20 points already! MSU down by just 1, 40-39.
17:03
Hamilton hits another 3 from the left, her team leads 42-40. Get ball back on a turnover. MSU with the momentum
16:41
Hudson hits a 2, MSU 11 unanswered points.
13:05
Stephens lays in a layup, gives Morehead the lead back 49-48. Neither team can keep a lead for long, both teams playing tough and keeping up with eachother.
15:12
Herring hits a free throw, she's got 12 points. Scoring spread throughout Govs, Rayner's got 12, Jamen's got 11. APSU up by 1, 45-44.
8:14
Austin Peay playing solid on defense forcing MSU to take off balanced shots. Lead 58-51. Govs playing tough in the paint making shots with hands in their faces.
7:29
Stephens hits a shot to silence APSU. Govs up 60-54. APSU's Jamen dominating boards, has 12 tonight.
6:00
Hamilton hits a three to try to stop some of APSU's momentum. Good defense is forcing Eagles to take a lot of rushed shots, but they are hanging in there. Down just 5, 64-55.
4:55
APSU'S Hanley with a huge 3, her team now up 67-59. Scores the next two points for her team on ensuing play. Govs now up by 10. Peay chants going strong in the arena!
2:57
Peay letting MSU shoot from beyond the arc so the Eagles are doing just that. Getting their own rebounds, just took three in a row until Bozeman sank from way downtown. 14 attempted, 5 made. 69-63 Govs.
2:02
Jamen sinks 2 FTs, attempting to put the game away for Peay. 74-65.
1:37
Hamilton keeps ripping away at the 3s. Sinks one, 74-68. MSU calls TO.
APSU wins it! 78-71 is the final score. Congrats to the Governors and Eagles for a well-fought game!
Women's championship will feature the EIU Panthers vs. the Austin Peay Governors tomorrow at 3PM CST at Bridgestone Arena!
17:57
MSU's Hamilton with the J. Lumpkin forces the turnover who kicks it out to Bozeman on the left side and hits the 3. She's been on fire today. 20 points already! MSU down by just 1, 40-39.
17:03
Hamilton hits another 3 from the left, her team leads 42-40. Get ball back on a turnover. MSU with the momentum
16:41
Hudson hits a 2, MSU 11 unanswered points.
13:05
Stephens lays in a layup, gives Morehead the lead back 49-48. Neither team can keep a lead for long, both teams playing tough and keeping up with eachother.
15:12
Herring hits a free throw, she's got 12 points. Scoring spread throughout Govs, Rayner's got 12, Jamen's got 11. APSU up by 1, 45-44.
8:14
Austin Peay playing solid on defense forcing MSU to take off balanced shots. Lead 58-51. Govs playing tough in the paint making shots with hands in their faces.
7:29
Stephens hits a shot to silence APSU. Govs up 60-54. APSU's Jamen dominating boards, has 12 tonight.
6:00
Hamilton hits a three to try to stop some of APSU's momentum. Good defense is forcing Eagles to take a lot of rushed shots, but they are hanging in there. Down just 5, 64-55.
4:55
APSU'S Hanley with a huge 3, her team now up 67-59. Scores the next two points for her team on ensuing play. Govs now up by 10. Peay chants going strong in the arena!
2:57
Peay letting MSU shoot from beyond the arc so the Eagles are doing just that. Getting their own rebounds, just took three in a row until Bozeman sank from way downtown. 14 attempted, 5 made. 69-63 Govs.
2:02
Jamen sinks 2 FTs, attempting to put the game away for Peay. 74-65.
1:37
Hamilton keeps ripping away at the 3s. Sinks one, 74-68. MSU calls TO.
APSU wins it! 78-71 is the final score. Congrats to the Governors and Eagles for a well-fought game!
Women's championship will feature the EIU Panthers vs. the Austin Peay Governors tomorrow at 3PM CST at Bridgestone Arena!
APSU vs. Morehead State 1st Half
EIU vs UT Martin press conference ran a little late, but I'm back now! With 14:44 left, APSU leading 14-10
Crowds are really loud here! Both trying to outshout eachother. I'll try to post some pics of the cheering sections!
10:47
Morehead getting plenty of second chance shots. Down 18-15
9:46
Two straight Morehead easy layins but APSU keeps answering. The Govs won't let the Eagles back in. 22-19 Morehead.
3:39
Morehead's Bozeman hits another two, has 12 of teams points already. Keeping her team in it, down just 33-29.
1:46
Morehead coach just took off his jacket and threw it after not liking a foul call, gets a technical.
:45
Jamen looking strong, putting up a contested lay in right in front of the basket. Crowd enthusiastic! Time out called. APSU up 40-31.
HALFTIME! Teams going into the locker room with the Govs up 40-32
EIU vs. UT Martin 2nd Half
12:53
EIU opening up the second half, 41-35 lead. Game getting a little sloppy
11:15
UTM's Glisson hits a three from way out at the top of the key. Brings her team to winin 5, down 43-38. Martin knocks down another jumper, trying to make a run to get back into it. Glissen with a fall down layup to tie the game at 43. Panthers call a time out, and the Skyhawk crowd is into it!
Martin coach Kevin McMillen just comes over to our scores table after his team missed a shot, and told one of our volunteers she better make those shot go in! Love hearing quotes from the coaches.
7:23
Media Time out. Martin shooting just 33% from the field but EIU has 15 turnovers in the game.
5:41
Nixon hits a three from the left corner, widens the EIU the gap 50-44. She's got 19 of her teams' points. Sims drives the basket and completes the three point play, makes it 53-44. After Martin is called for the charge, UTM calls the times out.
Final media time out! 3:55 left to play!
3:20
Dominique Sims w an easy layup. Now has 17 of her teams points. Second most behind Nixon. EIU up 60-47. Martin starting to back down. 3 players in foul trouble with 4 fouls each.
1:49
EIU's Paige Smith lays it in, 61-49 Panthers. Skyhawks still fighting hard.
EIU letting clock run out. They will win the game 65-51. Well fought contest.
EIU opening up the second half, 41-35 lead. Game getting a little sloppy
11:15
UTM's Glisson hits a three from way out at the top of the key. Brings her team to winin 5, down 43-38. Martin knocks down another jumper, trying to make a run to get back into it. Glissen with a fall down layup to tie the game at 43. Panthers call a time out, and the Skyhawk crowd is into it!
Martin coach Kevin McMillen just comes over to our scores table after his team missed a shot, and told one of our volunteers she better make those shot go in! Love hearing quotes from the coaches.
7:23
Media Time out. Martin shooting just 33% from the field but EIU has 15 turnovers in the game.
5:41
Nixon hits a three from the left corner, widens the EIU the gap 50-44. She's got 19 of her teams' points. Sims drives the basket and completes the three point play, makes it 53-44. After Martin is called for the charge, UTM calls the times out.
Final media time out! 3:55 left to play!
3:20
Dominique Sims w an easy layup. Now has 17 of her teams points. Second most behind Nixon. EIU up 60-47. Martin starting to back down. 3 players in foul trouble with 4 fouls each.
1:49
EIU's Paige Smith lays it in, 61-49 Panthers. Skyhawks still fighting hard.
EIU letting clock run out. They will win the game 65-51. Well fought contest.
EIU vs. UT Martin 1st Half
16:34 remaining in game.And we're underway! Martin's LaBrica ward scores the teams first points with about 3 minutes gone, Panthers lead 6-2. EIU's crowd is loud and the team is looking strong.
15:38
First time out of the game. Martin coach Kevin McMillan shouting to team to slow the pace down.
9:20
Darnisha Lyles with the easy layup followed by a Martin steam, puts the ball right back in the Skyhawks hands down 22-17. Turn the ball over, but get it right back.
7:51
Off Balance shot by Martin's Alecia Weatherly makes it 22-20 Panthers.
Media TIME OUT
6:05
Martin's Cali Cupples hits a three at the top of the key to give Martin its first lead 23-22. Martin crowd really getting into it! I can hear them sitting right behind me.
3:41
EIU's Takenya Nixon steals ball for an easy layup takes back lead 25-27
HALF
And we're at the half! Panthers hold slight edge 30-29. UTM shoowing 44% FG's and is 4-for-8- on threes. while EIU shooting slightly a better FG percentage at 47.8%.It's become a back-and-fourth game. Eastern holding the boards lead with 17 total rebounds over the Skyhawks 10.
Some cheerleaders and fans from my view:
Countdown to Tip Off 2010
We are coming to you live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, home of the 2010 Men's and Women's Ohio Valley Conference Basketball tournament!
First up, UT Martin vs. EIU.
We are about 30 minutes to tip off and fans are starting to flow in! Already each school's bands are warming up and cheerleaders practicing. We had a bit of a hectic morning as a new floor was laid, and was finished a little later than normal. But, media and official tables got set up, signs got hung and we are good to go! The OVC staff arrived this morning at 3:00 AM and we are going strong ready to go!
Be sure to check us out LIVE throughout all OVC action for pics, vids and other live updates! Also, please leave us comments and ask us questions about what you'd like to know about the OVC tourney.
Good Luck to all schools!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
OVC Insider - Episode 6 Now Available
The webisode companion to our blog, fans can now watch episode six of "OVC Insider" to catch-up on the latest news and information from around the league.
Below is the fifth episode hosted by OVC interns Grant Finley and Viki Arias.
Please let us know what you think and if you have any topics you would like to see covered in a future episode.
Below is the fifth episode hosted by OVC interns Grant Finley and Viki Arias.
Please let us know what you think and if you have any topics you would like to see covered in a future episode.
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