In their home opener, the Skyhawks picked up their first win of the season by defeating the Rochester College Warriors 79-64.
“I thought we could’ve played better, especially in the first half,” said head coach Jason James. “We came out a little nervous. … I think we thought Rochester would just [lie] down and let us win and they obviously showed early that they would not do that.”
The Warriors (7-1) jumped out to an early 6-2 lead over UTM and continued to build on their lead as the first half was coming to a close.
Down 12 points, the Skyhawks (1-3) responded with a 9-0 run capped off with a dunk from the returning Myles Taylor to pull them within four points of the lead.
At the half, UTM trailed 33-30, but they were able to take the lead early in the second half and hold on to win the game.
The Skyhawks were without the 7th leading scorer in school history, Mike Liabo, who has been suspended indefinitely for violation of team rules.
“I don’t know if, or when, [Liabo] will be back,” said James. “Right now, he’s suspended indefinitely and that’s pretty much where it is.”
Terrence Smith totaled 13 points and tied for the team-high in rebounds with seven. Marshun Newell finished the game with 14 points, including going 10-of-10 from the line. Bobby Jones came off the bench of totaled 12 points.
Taylor finished the game with a team-high 20 points in his first game since tearing his ACL in the 2012-13 season finale against Austin Peay.
“I’m happy with where he is,” said James. “He’s got to continue to get stronger and get back in shape”
Despite having four players in double-digits and shooting 37.5 percent from the field and 82.4 percent from the line, the Skyhawks only managed to go 3-of-21 on three-point shots.
The Warriors were led by Stavros Schivas, who scored game-highs with 23 points and 10 rebounds, all defensive. Much like UTM, Rochester College struggled from beyond the arch, only two three-pointers on sixteen attempts.
The Skyhawks return to action on Nov. 17 when the travel to Florida State to take on the Seminoles.
