Tennessee Tech rallies to beat Murray State

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. — Milone Clark scored 21 points and Tennessee Tech erased a nine-point halftime deficit to beat Murray State 70-66 Thursday.

The Golden Eagles (18-11, 13-7 Ohio Valley Conference) will host a first-round game of the OVC Tournament Tuesday night.

Murray State (20-6, 16-3) has already clinched the league title.

Clark was 9-for-13 from the field, including three 3-pointers, all in the second half. He also had six rebounds, matching Ra’Shun Bryant for the team high.

Murray was led by Tyler Holloway with 14 points and Keith Jenifer with 13.

The Racers saw a 30-21 halftime lead disappear after a 10-1 run by Tech to tie it at 33-33. Murray took its last lead of the game at 58-56 on a layup by Rob Kennedy.

Clark hit a 3-pointer to push Tech ahead 59-58 and Keyon Boyd added to free throws for a 61-58 lead with 3:36 to play. The Golden Eagles hit their remaining seven free throws for the win.

For the game, Tech shot 40.4 percent from the field and 20-for-28, or 71.4 percent, from the line. Murray went 41.8 percent from the field and 57.7 percent from the line.

Tech led in rebounds, 43-30.