Tennessee Tech squeaks past Coastal Carolina 71-69

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Jud Dillard scored a career-high 34 points, including 11 of Tennessee Tech’s last 14 points, and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Golden Eagles edged Coastal Carolina 71-69 Thursday night.

Tennessee Tech (2-0), coming off a 107-32 trouncing of Crowley’s Ridge, led 57-50 with 7:38 to go after rallying from a 35-30 halftime deficit.

The Chanticleers (1-2) tied it at 57 on Badou Diagne’s jumper, but Dillard dunked to restore Tennessee Tech’s lead with 5:32 left.

Anthony Raffa hit a 3-pointer for Coastal Carolina, which built a four-point lead with 3:01 left, but Dillard kept the Golden Eagles close.

Jeremiah Samarrippas’ driving layup with 1:18 remaining put Tennessee Tech ahead for good, although Dillard still scored three more points.

Kierre Greenwood’s layup with 1 second left was the final margin.

Raffa had 25 points and Greenwood 19 for the Chanticleers, who made 29 free throws to Tennessee Tech’s 15.