With the win, Tech, who is ranked 13th in the Preseason NABC/Division II Coaches’ Top 25 Poll, improves to 2-1 on the season after suffering its first loss of the season on Wednesday at Drury, while Lambuth falls to 0-2.
Lambuth was able to keep the close throughout most of the first half as the Wonder Boys used a 12-4 run over the final six minutes of the half to turn a 27-22 lead into a 39-26 advantage at the half thanks to a lay-up at the buzzer by senior forward Ridas Pulkauninkas (Ukmerge, Lithuania).
“We did a great job on defense most of the night, especially in the first half by causing 16 turnovers as our offense was a little off,” Wonder Boys Head Coach Doug Karleskint said. “I wanted us get our swag back tonight and I think we accomplished that.”
Tech’s first-half closing run helped the Wonder Boys to a strong second half surge as the Wonder Boys opened the second half on a 12-3 run to extend its lead to 51-29 just three minutes out of the locker room.
After Lambuth pulled within 61-42 following a lay-up by Antwan Long, Tech once again flexed its offensive muscle as it used a 16-4 run capped by a lay-up by junior forward Blake Mitchem (Fort Smith, Ark.) with 6:05 left in the game to push in front 77-46.
From that point, the Eagles would close the game outscoring Tech, 19-10 to set the final score.
Leading the way for the Wonder Boys was senior forward James Causey (Tangipohoa, La.), who had 17 points, five rebounds, two blocks and four steals in 19 minutes of season. On the season, Causey now leads the Wonder Boys in both blocks and steals.
“James not only plays great on offense, but he saves us a lot of times with his defensive play,” the first-year Tech coach said. “He has been a leader since I got the job and he continues to be.”
In addition to Causey, senior guard Jeremy Dunbar (Niceville, Fla.) added 12 points, while center James Giles (New Brunswick, N.J.) added nine points and six rebounds in the win. Junior guard Johnie Davis (Canton, Ohio) and sophomore guard Jared Williamson (Russellville, Ark.) each contributed 10 points.
Lambuth was led by Devance Harris as he notched a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Shaun Merriweather kept pace with Harris as he had 14 points and four boards in the loss. Nakeem Floyd and Long added 15 and 13 points respectively.
Tech finished the game shooting 47 percent from the field, including shooting 53 percent in the second half and Tech shot 32 percent from the 3-point line. Lambuth finished shooting 43 percent from the field and 20 percent from the 3-point line.
Despite getting outrebounded, 39-36, Tech’s defense forced 26 turnovers that led the Wonder Boys holding a 23-6 edge in points off turnovers. In addition, Tech collected 14 steals.
The Wonder Boys will return to action on Monday, Nov. 22 as they host Ecclesia College in a 7:30 p.m. game in Tucker Coliseum.
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