The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (13-14, 8-8 OVC) prepare for a season-defining OVC matchup against the UT Martin Skyhawks (12-16, 8-9 OVC) this Thursday at 8:30 p.m. EST in Cookeville. With both teams fighting for conference standing improvements, this contest could reshape the Ohio Valley Conference tournament landscape.
Tennessee Tech boasts a 7-3 home record this season, while UT Martin seeks redemption after Tarence Guinyard’s 20-point effort couldn’t prevent their recent 86-75 loss to Tennessee State. The Golden Eagles excel in tight situations, holding a 2-1 record in one-possession games compared to UT Martin’s 5-8 mark in contests decided by double digits.
Three-point shooting will likely dictate this game’s tempo. Tennessee Tech averages 9.5 made threes—just 0.4 above UT Martin’s 9.1 average allowed. Conversely, the Skyhawks sink 9.4 triples per game, significantly outpacing Tennessee Tech’s 7.1 three-point defense average.
- Tennessee Tech’s Top Performers: Jaylon Johnson (13.2 PPG, 4.8 APG) and JaJuan Nicholls (9.8 PPG, 56.0% FG last 10 games)
- UT Martin’s X-Factor: Tarence Guinyard (15.8 PPG season average) and Vladimer Salaridze (12.9 PPG recent form)
Both teams enter with identical 4-6 records over their last 10 games. Tennessee Tech averages 71.8 PPG during this stretch while allowing 74.8 PPG defensively. UT Martin scores 74.1 PPG but concedes 76.4 PPG—a defensive vulnerability the Golden Eagles could exploit.
Thursday’s game hinges on perimeter defense,” analysts note. “Whichever team contains the three-ball better likely secures vital OVC positioning.
With postseason implications soaring, this OVC rivalry clash promises strategic depth and explosive individual performances. Fans can expect a tightly contested battle between two teams fighting to build momentum before conference tournament play.