Tech now 6-1 at home this season
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tacarra Hayes poured through a
career-best 39 points – the most ever by a Golden Eagle guard
-- and grabbed nine rebounds and Krystal Stirrup matched her
career-high with 21 points as Tennessee Tech rolled to a 77-56 Ohio
Valley Conference victory over Austin Peay Thursday night in Eblen
Center.
Hayes became the eighth player overall to score 39 points. It was
the highest individual scoring effort by a Tech player since Emily
Christian scored 40 against Eastern Illinois on January 24,
2004.
With the win, Tech (8-10 overall/3-5 OVC) improved to 6-1 at home
in Eblen Center this season. Austin Peay slipped to 5-13 overall
and 4-3 in the OVC .
The game was tight until the final 10 minutes before the Golden
Eagles closed the contest by outscoring Austin Peay 20-4.
Two free throws by Ashley Herring brought the Lady Govs to within
one points, 46-45, with 10:33 remaining before Tech used a 7-0 run
to gain some distance. Hayes hit back-to-back jumpers and Stirrup
added a 3-pointer to make it 53-45.
APSU was within five points, 57-52, with 5:34 to play after a
3-pointer by Whitney Hanley. Simone Rutledge scored a layup for
Tech before Hayes and Stirrup knocked down consecutive 3-pointers
and the lead was up to 13. Hayes followed with a three-point play
and the Golden Eagles were 6-for-7 at the line down the stretch for
the final margin.
It was a typical TTU-APSU battle for the entire 20 minutes of the
first half. The game was tied eight times during the half and the
largest lead for each team was four points.
Hayes was 13-for-23 from the field including one 3-pointer on her
only try, and went 12-for-15 at the free throw line. In addition to
her 39 points, the sophomore from Lebanon, Ky., added nine
rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Stirrup was 6-for-8 from the field including 2-for-3 from long
range, and went 7-for-7 at the line on the way to her 21 points.
Kellie Cook quietly added six points and 10 rebounds and freshman
guard Katherine Barker snapped down a career-best nine rebounds as
the Golden Eagles finished with a 42-39 edge on the glass.
Jasmine Rayner led the Lady Govs with 17 points and seven rebounds,
hitting 6-for-7 from the field. Ashley Herring added 14 points and
Nicole Jamen had eight points and 15 rebounds.
Tech’s four-game homestand continues Saturday night when
Tennessee State visits for an OVC doubleheader beginning at 5:30
p.m. It will be Basketball Alumni Night. Tickets are on sale at the
Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center or by calling (931)
372-3940. Tickets may also be purchased online at
TTUsports.com.