By Rob Schabert, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – For all the muscle work done in the paint by Tennessee Tech's post players, it was a couple of quickness baskets late in the first half by freshman guard Yaktavia Hickson that sparked the Golden Eagles on their way to what turned out to be a comfortable, 82-46 victory.

Tied 24-all with a scrappy Tennessee Wesleyan squad in a Thursday night exhibition unveiling in Eblen Center, Hickson grabbed an offensive rebound with a shade under four minutes to go in the opening period, and banked it back off the glass to put Tech on top, 26-24.

She then stripped away the inbounds pass and added an instant copy for a 28-24 lead just seven seconds later.

Those quick points ignited a 13-2 Golden Eagle run that left coach Jim Davis' team with a 39-27 lead at halftime. The run included alternating buckets from Catherine Taylor and Hannah Goolsby, one of the four being a three-pointer from Taylor.

The Bulldogs actually outshot Tech in the first half, hitting 45.5 percent (10-for-22) compared with 44.8 percent (13-for-29). But Tech owned a 12-4 edge at the free throw line as TWC was whistled for 16 first half fouls. Assists, steals and rebounds were practically even at the break, but Tech had forced 14 Bulldog turnovers leading to a 21-6 advantage in points off miscues.

With that first 20 minutes in the bank, Davis' team came out more comfortable in the second half and dominated play, hitting nearly 53 percent of their shots, taking a 27-13 edge in rebounds and outscoring their guests, 43-19. Tennessee Wesleyan had 10 more turnovers in the second period and was limited to 22.7 percent (5-for-22) shooting.

Tech's posts proved to be the dominant force, especially senior Candace Parson who finished with 17 points and six rebounds, hitting 6-of-7 from the field. Guards Catherine Taylor and Hannah Goolsby also reached double digits. Taylor had 12 points and five board while Goolsby added 11 points.

Junior point guard Samaria Howard had eight points, five rebounds and four assists, while Hickson finished with six points.

Eleven different players saw action, and every player had at least 11 minutes of play.

Shira Buley led the Bulldogs with nine points and three assists. Jenna Adams and Destainie Smith scored eight each.

With the preseason behind them, and their exhibition contest under their belts, the Golden Eagles begin final preparations for opening the season next Friday (Nov. 14) with a game at Florida International.