Tennessee Tech 77, SE Missouri 73

Kevin Murphy scored 24 points as Tennessee Tech built a big lead, then rallied for a 77-73 victory over Southeast Missouri State Thursday night in an Ohio Valley Conference tournament quarterfinal.

The Golden Eagles (19-12), who got 18 points from Jud Dillard, led 42-27 at halftime. But Southeast Missouri State (15-16) rallied behind Tyler Stone. He posted a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double for the Redhawks (15-16).

Nick Niemczyk and Corey Wilford scored 16 points apiece and helped key a second-half rally enabling Southeast Missouri State to tie it at 64-all. Down 55-36, the Redhawks rallied, then took a 70-66 lead on Stone's jumper with 2:13 left.

But Murphy (10 for 20 from the field) stuck two jumpers and Zac Swansey a 3-pointer for a 73-70 lead. Zach Bailey made two foul shots and Swansey dunked with 0:03 left. Stone's trey with a second remaining was too little, too late.