COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – If there’s one thing in particular that bothers the Tennessee Tech women’s basketball team, it’s the thought of losing an Ohio Valley Conference home game.

Perish the thought.

Tacarra Hayes, Molly Heady and Jala Harris provided much of the offensive firepower and the Golden Eagles put together a solid defensive effort to earn a 68-50 victory over Morehead State Saturday night in the Eblen Center, the team’s conference home opener.

Harris was top scorer in the game with 18 points, netting 14 in the second half including 12 of the team’s final 15 points. Hayes finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists and Heady chipped in with 13 point and seven rebounds to lead Tech (5-11/1-2 OVC) to its first OVC victory of the year.

Morehead State (5-10/2-1 OVC) was led by Courtney Lumpkin with 15 points while Linda Dixon scored 10. Ashar Harris helped Morehead State to a 36-35 edge in total rebounds as she grabbed a game-high 11 boards.

Tech shot 62.5 percent in the second half (15-for-24) and finished the game with a 52.7 shooting mark (29-for-55). The Golden Eagle defense limited MSU to 31 percent shooting in each half.

The Golden Eagles raced out to an early 9-2 start before MSU roared back replied with a 7-0 run to tie the contest. The game was tied again at 11-11 managed an 11-4 run to move ahead, 22-15. The Golde Eagle lead grew to 12 on a layup by Molly Head (photo above) with 3:55 remaining in the opening half.

Tech owned a 33-26 halftime lead.

Six points was all the closer Morehead would draw after the break as Tech quickly took its lead into double figures and never let up. Morehead used a jumper by Lumpkin with 7:01 to play to creep into single digit, trailing by nine at 50-41, but Heady answered with a three-point play.

Harris scored 12 of Tech’s final 15 points as the lead reached its peak at 21 points with 1:59 remaining, 68-47.

The Golden Eagles are right back in action in Eblen Center on Monday night when they welcome Tennessee State for a 7 p.m. contest.

For tickets, visit or call the Athletic Ticket Office in Eblen Center at (931) 372-3940.