By Holly Weber, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn.—The Tennessee Tech women's basketball team (5-10, 1-1 OVC) is ready to get back in action on Thursday. The Golden Eagles will hit the asphalt for their first conference road match at Murray State (5-7, 1-0 OVC).
The Golden Eagles are currently 1-1 in the OVC and hold a 1-4 away record, while Murray State is currently 1-0 in the OVC, recently defeating Morehead State 83-79.
The Golden Eagles lead the series over the Racers 60-15, Tech most recently defeating Murray State in the 2014-15 season 74-69.
Samaria Howard stands as the Golden Eagles leading scorer averaging 18.9 points per game. Howard also posts 4.8 boards per game, while shooting 37.8 percent from the floor, 25 percent from the 3-point range, and 75.7 percent from the line. Her 238 total points thus far on the season rank her 15th in the NCAA, while her 18.9 points per game rank her 42nd. Howard's 84 made free throws rank her 10th nationally, and her 96 made field goals rank her 40th.
Alliyah Smith, Tech's power in the paint, posted her second double-double of the season (with 11 points and 13 boards) in the Golden Eagle's last showing against SIUE. Smith leads Tech in rebounds, averaging 7.3 per game.
As a team, the Golden Eagles shoot 38.1 percent from the floor, 28.6 percent from beyond the arc, and 67.9 percent from the line. Tech averages 60.3 points and 35.7 rebounds per game while giving up 19.2 turnovers.
The Racers shoot 38.8 percent from the field, 30.1 percent from the 3-point range, and 71.6 percent from the line. Murray State averages 69.5 points and 35.7 boards per game while giving up 15.4 turnovers.
Ke'Shunan James, named OVC Player of the Week on Jan. 5, leads the Racers averaging 20.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. James shoots 46.4 percent from the floor, 39.6 percent from the 3-point range, and 70.2 percent from the line. Her 20.8 points per game rank James 20th in the NCAA, while her 59 made free throws rank her 33rd.
Another key player on the Murray State squad is LeAsia Wright. Wright is the Racers second leading scorer averaging 15.4 points per game. She shoots 42.1 percent from the field, 38.6 percent from beyond the arc, and 68.6 percent from the line.
Tech and the Racers will tip off Thursday at 5 p.m. in the CFSB Center in Murray, Ky.
You can follow the Golden Eagles online on Facebook and on Twitter at @TTUWBB and @TTUGoldenEagles.
