Tennessee Tech's strong second-half performance propelled them to a 59-54 win over Western Illinois at Western Hall. The Golden Eagles, who trailed by eight at halftime, outscored the Leathernecks 41-28 in the final 20 minutes to secure the road victory. Mekhi Cameron led the charge for Tennessee Tech, scoring 15 points, including several crucial baskets late.
Isaiah Griffin paced Western Illinois with 16 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Leathernecks' second-half struggles. Griffin's scoring helped Western Illinois build a 26-18 halftime lead, but the Leathernecks' offense stalled after the break. Lucas Lorenzen added 15 points for Western Illinois, but the team's inability to contain Tennessee Tech's offense in the second half proved costly.
The Golden Eagles' second-half surge was fueled by a balanced attack, with Dani Pounds and Malik Ferguson contributing 11 points each. Pounds also grabbed eight rebounds, helping Tennessee Tech gain a decisive edge on the glass. As the game wore on, Tennessee Tech's defense stiffened, holding Western Illinois to just 28 second-half points.
The win is a significant one for Tennessee Tech, who improved to 7-12 on the season. While not an upset, the victory is a reflection of the Golden Eagles' resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. Western Illinois, meanwhile, fell to 4-15, and their struggles continue to mount.
In terms of tournament implications, this game was always going to be a Quad 4 contest for both teams, given their respective net rankings. As such, the result doesn't significantly alter either team's NCAA Tournament chances. However, for Tennessee Tech, the win does provide a modest boost to their resume, as they continue to seek out quality victories to bolster their postseason credentials.
The loss is a tough one for Western Illinois to swallow, particularly given their strong first-half performance. Despite the defeat, the Leathernecks can take solace in the fact that they competed with a team that, on paper, is slightly more talented. As the season wears on, Western Illinois want to build on this effort and secure more wins against comparable opponents.
Ultimately, Tennessee Tech's 59-54 victory over Western Illinois is a reflection of the Golden Eagles' ability to adapt and overcome. With Mekhi Cameron leading the way, Tennessee Tech was able to erase an eight-point halftime deficit and emerge victorious. As the Golden Eagles look to the rest of their schedule, they'll hope to build on this momentum and secure more wins to strengthen their tournament resume.