Featured Photo: UT Martin Freshman Guard Damien King shoots three point field goal against Brescia on Dec. 2, 2025, in Martin, Tennessee. (Photo Credit / UTM Athletics)
The UT Martin Skyhawks struggled to start the game but came back in the second half and defeated the Alabama State Hornets 74-64. This win moved UT Martin to 7-2 on the season and 4-0 at home.
UT Martin turned the ball over eight times in the first half and to add insult to injury, they also allowed nine points off those turnovers. In addition, they struggled to match the physicality brought on by Alabama State. However, that all changed after halftime.
UT Martin Head Coach Jeremy Shulman said he knows turnovers have been a problem for his team this season.
“I thought we just needed to get back to executing what we call stacking actions. Like if the first play doesn’t work we have to the next action, and then the next action after that rather than forcing the issue,” Shulman said. “We just have to do what the defense gives us and I thought we did a better job of that in the second half.”
UT Martin kept the pedal to the medal in the second half as they took the lead and never looked back, though things did not come easy. The team struggled from beyond the arc throughout the game but adjusted accordingly. UT Martin took the ball to the basket, shooting 38% from the field in the second half after a poor 25% from the field in the first half.
UT Martin outscored Alabama State 44-29 in the second half. Leading the way for UT Martin was standout junior forward Andrija Bukumirovic, who had 15 points, 13 rebounds and two assists.
One player for UT Martin made his presence felt in the limited minutes he played. Freshman guard Damien King matched Alabama State’s physicality from the opening tip, including 14 points scored and seven rebounds grabbed.
“He’s awesome. He’s a true freshman. He just keeps getting better and better. You are going to see a lot more Damien King moving forward,” said Shulman. “He’s such a physical defender. He has a big, strong body. He’s a tough kid. What a perfect fit for what we have and what we need.”
UT Martin goes back on the road to take on the Southern Illinois Salukis in Carbondale, IL, on Dec. 10, 2025, with tip-off set for 7 p.m.
