In a thrilling quarterfinal matchup of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament, Little Rock emerged victorious with an 82-77 win against UT Martin in Evansville, Indiana. The standout player for Little Rock was Mwani Wilkinson, who delivered an impressive 29-point performance, contributing significantly to the Trojans’ victory. Wilkinson also managed to grab five rebounds, further enhancing his contribution on the court.
Johnathan Lawson bolstered Little Rock’s effort, dropping 21 points along with five rebounds, a remarkable eight assists, and five critical steals. Meanwhile, Tuongthach Gatkek added 12 points, shooting 5 for 11 from the field and 2 for 4 from the free-throw line. Gatkek’s crucial layup with just under four minutes remaining put the Trojans ahead decisively, making the score 74-72 and securing the lead for good.
On the opposing side, Tarence Guinyard was a key player for the UT Martin Skyhawks, finishing with 17 points and five assists. Afan Trnka matched him with 17 points and also added four assists to his stats. Vladimer Salaridze contributed a solid 15 points, along with six rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. Despite their collective efforts, the Skyhawks fell short against the potent offensive display of Little Rock.
The game was marked by strong individual performances on both teams, but it was Little Rock’s ability to clinch the lead in the final moments that ensured their advancement in the tournament.
