CHARLESTON, Ill. – The Tennessee Tech women's basketball team did not quite open the New Year the way it wanted in Charleston on Thursday afternoon, as an early Eastern Illinois (4-10, 1-0) lead was the ultimate downfall for the Golden Eagles, who fell 67-59 in the first Ohio Valley Conference game of the season.
A 9-0 Panther run opened the game Thursday afternoon, before a Candace Parson three-point field goal cut the game. From there, the Golden Eagles played even with the Panthers, including closing out the half with a 14-8 run, down just 28-23.
Throughout the second half, Tech (3-11, 0-1) fought for an edge, but never found itself within less than five points, and EIU free throws created a gap that couldn't be closed. Tech even outshot the Panthers in the second half, connecting on 14 of 27 attempts for a 51.9-percentage, while EIU connected on 12 of 24, for just 50-percent.
Junior Samaria Howard did her part to aid the Golden Eagles, making an immediate splash in the OVC, as she dropped 21 of her career-best 28 points in the second half. Howard added a team-high seven boards as well. Parson joined her in double figures with 12 points, adding six boards, a team-high three steals, an assist and a block. Sophomore Hannah Goolsby added nine points, seven of which came in the second.
The Panthers were led by senior forward Sabina Oroszova who finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals. Arnisha Thomas added 15 points and three steals. Shakita Cox and Bh'rea Griffin each added nine points.
Tech returns to action on Saturday at 2 p.m. CT as it heads to SIU Edwardsville for the second OVC game of the opening weekend. SIUE, 5-8, hosted Jacksonville State on Saturday afternoon.
