UT Martin blows big lead but beats Jacksonville State 55-52

MARTIN, Tenn. (AP) — Marshun Newell scored 17 points and UT Martin blew a 21 point lead but responded to beat Jacksonville State 55-52 on Saturday.

UT Martin (11-6, 3-1 Ohio Valley) went over eight minutes without a point late in the second half until Deville Smith's jumper with 53 seconds left made it 54-52. His free throw with five seconds left made it a three-point game, and JaQuail Townser's 3-point attempt as time ran out was no good.

Newell's 3-pointer 4 ½ minutes into the second put the Skyhawks up by 21. But Jacksonville State whittled the deficit, using runs of 9 and 10 points, and Darion Rackley's jumper with 2:50 left tied it at 52.

UT Martin went on an 11-3 run early in the game and led 34-22 at the break.

Smith finished with 11 points and Twymond Howard added 10 and a career-high 12 rebounds.

Avery Moore and Malcolm Drumwright had 17 apiece for Jacksonville State (8-12, 1-5).