COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech women's basketball team will wrap up a three-game home-stand on Thursday night as they host UT Martin in the Eblen Center for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off.
The contest is a doubleheader with the men's squad will also host the Skyhawks at 7:30 p.m. Fans may purchase their tickets online (TTUsports.com), in person at the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center, or on the telephone (931-372-3940).
Both contests represent the first two to be televised locally by WCTE TV this season, the 33rd straight year the station has worked with the Golden Eagles in the Eblen Center. In addition to coverage by WCTE TV, all of Tech's home games will be streamed live on the OVC Digital Network, with production by the Golden Eagle Sports Network.
Tennessee Tech (5-12, 2-2) vs. UT Martin (7-9, 3-0)
Thursday, Jan. 5 2015
5:30 p.m. CST
Eblen Center (9,250) – Cookeville, Tenn.
The Broadcasts
TV: WCTE (Buddy Pearson & Allison Davis)
Radio: 106.1 The Eagle (Roger Ealey)
Webcast: Golden Eagle Sports Network on the OVC Digital Network (Dylan Vazzano)
SETTING THE STAGE
This marks the 67th meeting between the Golden Eagles and the UT Martin Skyhawks. Tech holds a 45-21 all-time series lead, but the Skyhawks are on a seven-game winning streak dating back to the 2010-11 season. However, in those last seven games, just one has been held in the Eblen Center. That game was in the 2012-13 season, and Tech fell 81-63.
Last season, when these two teams matched up in Martin, Tenn., the Skyhawks got the better end, winning 102-78. Former Skyhawks Jasmine Newsome and Heather Butler scored 36 and 35 points, respectively. While reigning Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year, Ashia Jones added 19 points.
The Golden Eagles received balanced scoring as Candace Parson, former Golden Eagle Molly Heady, and T'Keyah Williams all scored in double-digits. Parson finished with 13 and seven rebounds, Heady finished with 12 points and Williams with 11. They also saw a solid performance from Shunice Tionne Herron who distributed a then-career-best eight assists, as well as adding seven points, two boards and two steals.
UT Martin is currently on a three-game winning streak to open conference play. The Skyhawks are coming off a 99-70 win over Morehead State, where Jones led with 30 points. Four other UTM players were also in the double figures. Jessy Ward added 17 points, while Karisma Tyson added 14 off the bench. Katie Schubert and Chelsea Roberts each added 12. Schubert also added a team-high nine assists.
On the season, Jones averages 20 points and six rebounds, while Ward follows with 11.9 points on 40.7-percent shooting from beyond the arch.
The Golden Eagles are looking to build off back-to-back wins in the Eblen Center after topping Murray State, 74-69, and Austin Peay, 75-71.
Against the Lady Govs, Candace Parson and Hannah Goolsby each score 16 points. Parson added a game-high nine rebounds. Shunice Tionne Herron scored a career-high 11 points, adding three rebounds, and two assists.
On the season, Samaria Howard leads the way with 14.4 points per game, adding 4.9 rebounds. Howard is also fresh off her second adidas® OVC Newcomer of the Week honor. Following Howard is Parson who is averaging 11.8 points and a team-best 5.8 rebounds. She is also shooting a team-high 51.6-percent from the field.
On the season, Tech is forcing its opponents into 18.3 turnovers a game. They are also blocking 3.9 shots, while making 7.6 steals.
