| UTM’s Hudson records NCAA’s first men’s quadruple double | | | 
History — Skyhawk Lester Hudson became the first man to record a quadruple-double in NCAA Division I history. | | Martin, Tenn. — Junior Lester Hudson made NCAA Division I men’s basketball history when he posted a rare quadruple-double to lead UT Martin to a 116-74 men’s basketball victory over visiting Central Baptist College from Conway, Ark., Tuesday night in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.
He is believed to be the first men’s player to accomplish the feat at the Division I level.
Hudson, who is averaging 33 points per game, scored 25 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and had 10 assists and 10 steals for what is believed to be the first-ever quadruple double-double in UT Martin history. He also blocked a shot in his 31 minutes of play.
“I’ve been around basketball for a lot of years now, but I never been around a player who has had a quadruple double,” said Bret Campbell, the Skyhawks head coach. “You hit a triple-double and that’s pretty special. He (Hudson) makes us hum obviously. Not only can he score, he makes everybody around him better and that’s the good thing about him.”
In research conducted by ESPN and the NCAA, no other recorded instances of a quadruple-double occurring at the Division I men’s basketball level have ever been record.
At the Division I level of women’s basketball, UCLA’s Ann Meyers had 20 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals in a 1978 contest against Stephen F. Austin.
The feat has only happened four times in the NBA since the 1973-74 season (when the NBA started to officially recognize blocks and steals). The NBA players to accomplish the feat include David Robinson (Feb. 17, 1994), Hakeem Olajuwon (March 29, 1990), Alvin Robertson (Feb. 18, 1986) and Nate Thurmond (Oct. 18, 1974).
The feat has also occurred once in the ABA (Jamel Staten on Feb 2, 2007) and once in the ABL (Debbie Black on Dec. 8, 1996). Four instances of it happening at the women’s Division III level have also been documented.
In the UT Martin win over Central Baptist, senior Gerald Robinson led the Skyhawks and all scorers with 29 points and 12 rebounds, while junior Olajide Hay had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Sophomore Joe Bailey tossed in 15 points.
Hudson’s rare double-digits in four statistical categories stole the show for the Skyhawks. “It certainly overshadowed two great performances of double-doubles from Gerald Robinson and Olajide Hay,” Campbell said.
The Skyhawks dominated the game from the opening tip and led 62-32 at the half.
Ryan Barnes led Central Baptist (3-2) with 16 points while Trad Williams tossed in 13 points.
The Skyhawks out-rebounded the visiting Mustangs 53-38 and forced 30 turnovers.
UT Martin (2-1) returns to action Thursday night when it hosts Central Arkansas in the Elam Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. | | | | |
