'Find-a-Way' Cougars win, qualify for tourney
News // Sports
The Intelligencer
Shamar Wright scored 17 points and was 6-9 from the field. It is the ninth time in 11 games that he has finished in double figures.
SIUE Athletics
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE men's basketball will return to the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament for the first time since 2019. The Cougars clinched their spot with a 66-53 win Thursday over UT Martin and a loss by Eastern Illinois.
"I am so proud for these guys," SIUE coach Brian Barone said. "The guys in this locker room right now have given everything to this program. They have truly embraced our 'Find-A-Way' mentality. With all that was asked of this team this year, this is an accomplishment."
The Cougars (9-15 overall, 7-11 OVC) will be either the No. 7 seed or the No. 8 in the tournament which begins Wednesday at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.
Against UT Martin, SIUE seized control with a double-digit first-half run. UT Martin led 13-12 at the going to a media timeout with 14"16 left before halftime. The Cougars responded with an 11-0 run to lead 23-13 9:04 left in the half.
SIUE led 33-26 with time running out in the period when Desmond Polk lined up for a three-pointer in the corner. He was fouled and awarded three free throws. He hit two of three to give SIUE a 35-26 lead at the break.
SIUE opened the second half with a 12-2 run and had its biggest lead of the game at 47-28 with 15:33 to play. The Cougars would go up 19 again at 52-33.
Lamar Wright earned his first career double-double with career-highs in points (16) points and rebounds (10) rebounds.
"Lamar was a beast," Barone said. "He was all over the place. It was good to see him get the double-double that is big time."
"Shamar started off really well," Barone said. "He had an attack mindset from the beginning."
Mike Adewunmi scored 16 points and finished a rebound shy of a double-double.
"Mike is the consummate senior," Barone added. "Every day he has brought it. He has had the right attitude. He has a passion and a business-like mentality."
Desmond Polk added a career-high 10 points.
"Desmond is just scratching the surface," Barone said of the freshman. "I told him after the Eastern Illinois game that I was playing him and he has responded ever since."
SIUE connected on 49 percent (21-43) of its shots and outrebounded UT Martin 35-28.
Jaron Williams scored 20 points to lead the Skyhawks, who shot just 39 percent from the field.
SIUE concludes the regular season Saturday when Southeast Missouri comes to First Community Arena.