Sophomore forward Alfonzo McKinnie is showing why his coaches believe he has unlimited potential.

The 6-foot-7-inch forward tied his career-high with 14 rebounds, nine of which were offensive, in the 76-64 loss to Austin Peay last Saturday. He also had a team-high 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting.

McKinnie said he just goes out and tries to play with as much energy as possible.

At 195 pounds, McKinnie is not the bulkiest forward in the league, so he said he gets rebounds with effort.

“(Other players) might be bigger, but I am a little faster,” McKinnie said.

The 15 points and 14 rebounds marked the second career double-double for McKinnie, who helped the team out-rebound the Governors 40-30. Fifteen of the Panthers rebounds were offensive.

Head coach Mike Miller said 15 offensive rebounds is huge for the Panthers because they are not playing a dominant post game and they have to score inside other ways and offensive rebounding is a big help.

Hollowell playing well in limited minutes

The Panthers have missed the presence of red-shirt junior forward James Hollowell for most of the season, but he is making strides toward returning to his normal self.

Hollowell has missed 10 games this season due to a nagging back injury, but in his limited play he has still averaged six points and four rebounds per game.

Hollowell had eight points and four rebounds against Austin Peay in just 12 minutes of play, including two important tap-ins after missed shots on offense.

Hollowell said he had more energy and his body felt better against the Governors than it did against Tennessee State.

Miller said Hollowell has only practiced about seven or eight times this season, which is why he is not in game-shape just yet.

“He looked better (against Austin Peay),” Miller said. “He did some good things and made some big tip-ins late.”

Around the OVC

Murray State is the last undefeated team left in NCAA Division I basketball, as the Racers improved to 20-0 overall and 8-0 in the OVC with a win over Southern Illinois-Edwardsville last Saturday.

Murray proved to be too much for SIU-E to handle as it won easily, 82-65. Guard Isaiah Canaan led the Racers with 21 points. With the win Murray State now ranks No. 9 in the nation.

Tennessee Tech handled Southeast Missouri State 77-62, thanks to a big performance from senior forward Kevin Murphy. He scored 26 points, while shooting 4-of-4 from behind the three-point line.

With the win the Golden Eagles improve to 12-8 overall and 4-3 in the OVC, while the Redhawks fall to 10-9 overall and 5-2 in conference play.

Rob Mortell can be reached at 581-7944 or [email protected]