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COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Preseason Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year Kevin Murphy scored a game-high 26 points and erupted for 19 in the second half to lead Tennessee Tech (12-8, 4-3) to a 77-62 win over Southeast Missouri (10-9, 5-2) Saturday night at the Eblen Center.
 
Murphy, who scored just seven points in the first half, heated up to make 7-of-11 field goals and drain three 3-pointers in the game's final 20 minutes.

"I feel like we are better than how we played tonight," said Southeast head coach Dickey Nutt. "They have a go-to guy in Murphy and gave us problems with their athleticism."

Southeast never led in the game, and as a result, fell to its 11th loss in 12 trips to Cookeville.

After Marland Smith buried a three-pointer to slice TTU's lead to 43-40 with 13:38 remaining, Murphy scored seven-straight points to spur a 9-0 run, giving the Golden Eagles a 52-40 advantage.

The Golden Eagles saw their lead dip below double figures one more time when Leon Powell made a layup (63-55) at the 4:33 mark before pulling out their 15-point victory.

TTU opened the game with a 10-3 run in the first 3:09 and scored before the opening tip when Southeast was charged with an administrative technical foul. Dennis Ogbe made four-straight baskets to ignite the quick start.
 
Southeast, which fell behind by nine (16-7) on Bassey Inameti's jumper with 14:17 on the clock, managed to within one or two points seven different times before trailing, 37-29, at the half.

Brister led all Southeast scorers with 15 points on 7-of-13 field goals. He also had five rebounds and dished out a game-high six assists.

Smith and Tyler Stone followed with 14 points apiece, as the Redhawks shot under 50 percent (.482) from the field for the first time in league play this year.

In addition, Southeast shot just 20 percent (3-of-15) from three-point range and 38.5 percent (5-of-13) at the free throw line.

Murphy shot 10-of-16 from the field and did not miss from behind the arc, sinking all four of his attempts.

Jud Dillard and Inameti also scored double figures with 15 and 10 points, respectively.

The Golden Eagles shot 56.6 percent (30-of-53) from the field on the night.

Southeast was without Nick Niemczyk, who was sidelined due to a concussion he sustained in Wednesday's practice. Corey Wilford replaced Niemczyk in the starting lineup. Wilford played 12 minutes in his first career start.

The Redhawks return to Cape Girardeau to host OVC preseason-favorite Austin Peay on Jan. 26. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m., CT, at the Show Me Center. Southeast is 8-2 at home this season.