By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin men’s basketball team goes for its first win of the young 2021-22 campaign when it hosts the undefeated Miami-Hamilton Harriers on Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center. Tipoff time is set for 2 p.m.
The Skyhawks (0-1) are coming off a valiant effort at No. 17 Tennessee during Tuesday’s season opener. UT Martin connected on 55.6 percent of its shot attempts and led for over eight minutes during the opening half, eventually staying within single digits with 14:30 remaining in the contest before falling 90-62.
In that game, a trio of Skyhawks dialed up double figures in the scoring column, led by KK Curry’s 15 points and 11 rebounds. KJ Simon (14 points, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks) also stuffed the statsheet while David Didenko canned three treys on his way to 11 points.
This marks the first all-time meeting on the hardwood between UT Martin and Miami-Hamilton, a United States Collegiate Athletic Association member based out of Hamilton, Ohio. Since joining the NCAA Division I ranks in 1992, the Skyhawks are a perfect 59-0 against non-Division I squads. UT Martin is also 27-2 in home openers during that span, having only lost during the 2015-16 and 2006-07 seasons.
The Harriers, who did not compete in 2020-21 during head coach Michael Piatt’s first season at the helm, are off to a blazing start. Miami-Hamilton improved to 5-0 on Wednesday with a 77-74 victory at Asbury, sinking 20 free throws in the process.
Ryan Marchal, who pumped in 37 points and seven 3-pointers at Defiance College on Nov. 7, led the way with 24 points in the narrow victory at Asbury. Virgil Lackey has also been a massive contributor this season, piling up four double-doubles in five opportunities to pace the Harriers.
Graphic Courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information