Ohio Valley Conference Tournament: The third time was the charm for No. 4 Jacksonville State, as the Gamecocks hammered No. 5 Eastern Kentucky 86-59 to avenge two regular-seson losses to the Colonels and move on to play No. 1 Murray State in the semifinals. Junior forward Courtney Bradley led the Gamecocks with 25 points while senior guard Walker Russell registered a triple-double with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
Murray State cruised to its 12th victory in 13 games by No. 8 Tennessee-Martin 65-52. The Racers lept out to a 39-18 halftime lead, which they milked throughout the second half. The Racers play Jacksonville State Friday in Nashville’s Gaylord Entertainment Center.
No. 2 Samford will join the Racers and Gamecocks in Nashville after the Bulldogs knocked off No. 7 Tennessee State 78-67. Tennessee State challenged the Bulldogs during the first half and tied the score at 34 entering halftime, but Samford dominated the second half, out-scoring the Tigers 44-33 in the second stanza.
Samford will face No. 3 Tennessee Tech in the semifinals after the Golden Eagles knocked off No. 6 Austin Peay in the closing minutes. Tennessee Tech completed the season sweep of the Governors despite allowing them to rally in the second half and hold the lead until late in the game.
[2/28/06]
