UT-Martin 89, Longwood 79

Feb 23, 2013, 04:24 pm

MARTIN, Tenn. -- Terence Smith scored 21 points and Myles Taylor scored 16 of his 18 points in the second half as Tennessee-Martin defeated Longwood 89-79 Saturday in a nonconference game.

Tied for the eighth time at 57-57, Taylor hit a 3-pointer with 10:12 remaining to give the Skyhawks (8-19), of the Ohio Valley Conference, the lead for good.

After Tennessee-Martin expanded its lead to nine, the Lancers (6-23), of the Big South Conference, got within four three times, including 81-77 with 27 seconds left. The Skyhawks then hit 8 of 10 free throws to clinch it.

Mike Liabo added 15 points, nine assists and eight rebounds for Tennessee-Martin.

Tristan Carey's 23 points and Michael Kessens' 11 points and 14 boards led Longwood, which outshot the Skyhawks 50.8 percent (31 of 61) to 43.5 percent (27 of 62).

However, Tennessee-Martin hit 27 of 33 free throws compared to the Lancers' 11 of 15.