The UT Martin Skyhawks win their seventh straight game as they take down the Lindenwood Lions 69-55 at home.

Lindenwood entered the contest 11-7 on the season and 5-2 in Ohio Valley Conference play. The Lions brought their tall and physical lineup to the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center; the Skyhawks responded with physicality of their own. 

Skyhawks’ general manager and assistant coach Jawaan Holmes said the team knew before the game that a win was not going to come easy.

“We prepare our guys for the physicality of the conference, because we know every game is going to be a war and going to be physical,” said Holmes. “We never want to go into a game and not match the physicality. I think today our guys came in and matched it.”

The Skyhawks entered the second half with a 35-22 lead over the Lions. After numerous attempts of a comeback, UT Martin was able to hold off the efforts of Lindenwood. 

The story of the game was UT Martin’s willingness to make the unselfish play and make the extra pass. The Skyhawks finished the game with 15 assists compared to Lindenwoods’ six assists, with seven different Skyhawks each recording at least one assist. Holmes says all the credit goes to the team and culture that has been built in Head Coach Jeremy Shulman’s two years with the team.

“We want assisted points. It’s fun to play in a system where the culture is to pass the ball and everyone else gets to eat,” said Holmes. “The ball moves and everyone gets to eat. We call it energy. The ball has energy and it gives the team energy.”

UT Martin leading scorers were forwards Matas Deniusas and Andrija Bukumirovic with 14 points each on a combined 12/20 (60%) from the field. 

The Skyhawks go on the road to take on OVC rival Southeast Missouri Redhawks on Jan. 20, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. SEMO enters the game with a 9-10 record on the season.