Men vs. Bethel University

Senior Jeremy Kelly poured in 23 points to lead Tennessee-Martin to an 89-69 exhibition victory over Bethel College Monday night in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.

Seniors Jared Newson and Cleve Woodfork tossed in 13 points each as the Skyhawks cruised to a 50-38 lead at the intermission.

Bethel cut the Skyhawks’ lead to four points, 56-52, with 11:23 to play in the game when Thomas Haynes canned a three-pointer.

Myron McCrary led Bethel with 20 points, while Haynes netted 15 points and DeCoreo Edwards canned 12 points.

The game included 57 personal fouls and three players fouled out. At the free throw line the Skyhawks hit 18 of 34 attempts, while Bethel connected on 22 of 38 attempts.

Men vs. Cumberland University

Four Skyhawks, including freshman Vashon Ingram, scored double-digits to lead the Skyhawks to an 85-68 exhibition win over visiting Cumberland University Thursday night in the Elam Center.

Senior Jared Newson knocked down 21 points, while senior Jeremy Kelly poured in 20 points to lead the Skyhawks. Cleve Woodfork scored 13 points and Ingram tossed in 10 points.

The Skyhawks trailed early in the first half by as many as nine points, 26-17, but used an 11-0 run to take a 28-26 lead when Jason Thompson scored in the paint with 4:04 to play before the break.

Cumberland tied the game at 28-all with a pair of free throws by Marqkese Crockett, but the Skyhawks closed out the half with a 12-3 run over the last four minutes of play.

The Skyhawks led by as many as 22 points in the second half and never looked back as seventh-year head coach Bret Campbell played everyone on the team in their final exhibition game of the season.

Cumberland’s Joseph Northington scored 23 points, while Chase Burnett netted 22 points.

The Skyhawks open their 2005-06 campaign Saturday, Nov. 19 when they play at No. 7 Louisville. Tipoff is set for 11:05 a.m. (CST). They then come home to face Webster University at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26.

Women vs. Cumberland University

Andreika Jackson poured in 22 points and Deina Willingham tossed in 16 points but it wasn’t enough for host Tennessee-Martin to hold off NAIA power Cumberland University in an exhibition Thursday night in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.

The two teams battled to a 31-31 tie at halftime, but the Skyhawks forged ahead in the second half by as many eight points with 7:10 to play in the game only to drop a 72-68 decision.

Ashley Cross, the same player who tied the game at 31-31 at halftime, knotted the game for a second time with 3:55 to play when she drained a three-pointer.

Natasha Manis hit a three with 2:46 to play and Cumberland never trailed again in the game.

Cumberland used a 17-4 run over the final seven minutes for the win. Mariel Ruis and Cross led Cumberland with 15 points each. Senior Keva Robinson scored 10 points, all in the second half, to round out the Skyhawk double-digit scorers.

The Skyhawk women returned to action last night, hosting Lambuth University in an exhibition game.

As of press time, there was no final score.

The women will open up their regular season play against LaSalle University in the South Florida Tournament on Saturday. Their first home game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Nov. 22 against Ky. Wesleyan.