UT Martin desperately seeks to break six-game road losing streak
- UT Martin entered the game against Alabama State with a six-game losing streak on the road.
- Alabama State is performing better at home with one win in their only home game this season.
- The Skyhawks were unable to break their losing streak, indicating further challenges ahead.
In a matchup that took place in Montgomery, Alabama, UT Martin faced off against Alabama State on Wednesday, looking to halt a continuous string of road losses. Entering the game with a record of 3-6, both teams were in similar standings, but UT Martin was experiencing a particularly rough patch, having lost their last six games on the road. Meanwhile, Alabama State was faring slightly better at home, having won their opening game there this season. The Skyhawks, underperforming in various aspects, had a tough challenge ahead, with their defense leading the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) in defensive rebounds. Vladimer Salaridze stood out with an average of 5.3 defensive rebounds per game. Offensively, UT Martin was struggling to match the scoring ability of their opponent, averaging 73 points per game, which was notably lower than Alabama State's defensive record of giving up 81 points per game. Alabama State was leading in their ability to make three-point shots, averaging 9.8 successful attempts per game. This showed a clear advantage in scoring potential compared to UT Martin, which allowed 8.4 made three-pointers on average. Amarr Knox emerged as a key player for the Hornets, contributing 15 points per game, while Josue Grullon led the scoring efforts for the Skyhawks with an average of 18.1 points. The game presented an opportunity for the Skyhawks to turn the tide on their road misfortunes. However, with their struggles evident in both scoring and defensive capabilities, the outcome remained unfavorable for UT Martin, showcasing the need for improvements as they continued through the remainder of the season.