By Holly Weber, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn.—After a quick stay at home, the Tennessee Tech women's basketball team (4-8) gets back in action on Dec. 28 when they travel to Athens, Ga., to compete against the University of Georgia (11-1) in a 6 p.m. contest.
This will be the 11th meeting between the Bulldogs and Golden Eagles. Georgia has won every previous matchup, the most recent being last season when the Bulldogs defeated the Golden Eagles 74-51. The Bulldogs are currently on a 10-game winning streak, while the Golden Eagles just snapped their 3-game losing streak with a victory over Wichita State.
Samaria Howard continues to lead the Golden Eagles averaging 18.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Howard shoots 38.3 percent from the floor, 28.6 percent from the 3-point range, and 77.0 percent from the line. Her 18.6 points per game rank her 47th in the nation while her 223 points on the season rank her 32nd in the nation.
Hannah Goolsby stands as Tech's second leading scorer and the Golden Eagles sharp shooter from beyond the arc. Goolsby averages 10.7 points per game while shooting 39.2 percent from the field, 41.9 percent from the 3-point range, and 78.6 percent from the line.
As a team, Tech shoots 37.3 percent from the field, 30.2 percent from the 3-point range, and 68.0 percent from the line. The Golden Eagles average 59 points and 36.8 rebounds per game, while giving up 20.1 turnovers.
The Bulldogs, as a team, shoot 41.4 percent from the floor, 30.3 percent from beyond the arc, and 65.8 percent from the line. Georgia averages 69.9 points and 44.8 rebounds per game, while giving up only 12.5 turnovers.
Tiarra Griffin leads the Bulldogs averaging 14.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Griffin shoots 38 percent from the floor, 34 percent from the 3-point range, and 81 percent from the line.
Shacobia Barbee and Merritt Hempe are two other key players on the Georgia lineup. Barbee averages 13.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, while Hempe averages 13.0 points and 7.7 boards.
You can follow the Golden Eagles online on Facebook and on Twitter at @TTUWBB.
