March postseason madness has started and the Blue Raider men's basketball team has met the challenge with a 69-62 win over Arkansas State in the Murphy Center last night.
In the first round of the Sun Belt Tournament, the Blue Raiders spread the ball around to achieve a victory. Four players scored in double-figures as MT will be heading to Hot Springs, Ark., for the second round of the tournament.
Senior guard Kevin Kanaskie ensured that he will play another game in a blue uniform as he led the team with 13 points on 4-of-10 shooting and six rebounds.
Junior forward Montarrio Haddock came through off the bench as he totaled 12 points to go along with his five rebounds in 27 minutes of play. Senior guard Nigel Johnson was 4-of-12 from the floor for 11 points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Blue Raiders were outshot from the floor by the Red Wolves all game, but the boys in blue were still able to pull out the victory. MT only shot 44 percent from the floor compared to ASU's 48 percent and MT was outshot from the free throw line 67 percent to 88 percent.
MT overcame the disparity in the shooting percentages by being extra tough off the glass as they grabbed an amazing 17 offensive rebounds for the game compared to ASU's nine. The Blue Raiders also took good care of the ball as they only turned it over eight times in the game.
A strong first half kept the Blue Raiders in control of the game as they outscored the Red Wolves 28-23 at the half. In the second half, MT traded shot for shot with ASU to maintain control of the game and to hold onto the win.
ASU was led by guard Daniel Bryant who put up 18 points, three rebounds, and four assists before fouling out in the second half of the game. Guard P.J. Keaton also ran into foul trouble as he fouled out of the game, limiting ASU's options in their perimeter attack.
The Blue Raiders who are seeded fifth in the tournament were able to upend Arkansas State, who came in as the twelfth seed in the Sun Belt. MT scored victories against ASU in the Murphy Center twice this season including last night's win.
Be the first to comment on this article!