By Holly Weber, TTU Sports Information Coordinator

COOKEVILLE, Tenn.—The Tennessee Tech women's basketball team (7-17, 3-8 OVC) heads down the highway to compete against instate rival Tennessee State (10-14, 5-6 OVC) in a 5:30 p.m. contest on Wednesday at the Gentry Center.

Tennessee State heads into the contest after breaking their five-game losing streak when they defeated Morehead State 78-76 at home, while Tech recently fell to Jacksonville State 46-55.

In their last meeting, the Golden Eagles defeated the Tigers 70-60 in Cookeville. Tech now leads the series over Tennessee State 53-12, with a 25-5 record in Cookeville, a 24-5 record in Nashville, and 4-2-mark at neutral sites.

In their first meeting this season, Samaria Howard posted a game-high 23 points, connecting on 9-of-19 from the field, 1-of-2 from the 3-point range, and 4-of-6 from the line. I'mani Davis led the Tigers with 22 points, adding 9 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 assists in the game.

In the Jan. 21 game, Tech shot 39 percent from the field, 42.9 percent from beyond the arc, and 84 percent from the charity stripe. Tennessee State shot 32.3 percent from the floor, 40 percent from the 3-point range, and 62.5 percent from the line. The Golden Eagles had 13 turnovers to the Tigers 14, and Tech outrebounded Tennessee State 44-37.

Howard continues to head the Golden Eagles averaging 20.6 points and 5.4 boards per game. She shoots 39.8 percent from the field and 78.8 percent from the line. Howard has scored in double-figures for all 24 of Tech's games thus far this season, including 15, 20+ point showings and 2 double-double games. Howard's 495 points on the season ranks her second in the OVC and 10th in the NCAA. Her 20.6 points per game rank her 21st nationally, while 126 made free throws rank her 9th and her 177 made field goals rank her 14th.

Yaktavia Hickson is also making waves on the Golden Eagle squad. Hickson recently set a career-high in rebounds (7) at Jacksonville State and in points (23) against Belmont. She is Tech's third leading scorer, averaging 8.6 points per game and shoots 39.3 percent from the field, 30.4 percent from the 3-point range, and 85 percent from the line.

As a team, the Golden Eagles average 61.8 points and 37 boards per game. Tech shoots 38.7 percent from the floor, 28.4 percent from beyond the arc, and 70.9 percent from the charity stripe, while giving up 17.9 turnovers per game.

The Tigers average 62.3 points and 38.5 rebounds per game. Tennessee State shoots 36.6 percent from the field, 30 percent from the 3-point range, and 65.7 percent from the line, while giving up 18.5 turnovers per game.

Jayda Johnson who averages 15.2 points and 7 boards per game leads the Tigers. Johnson shoots 40.8 percent from the field, 20.8 percent from the 3-point range, and 65.3 percent from the line.

Another key player on the Tennessee State team is I'mani Davis who averages 15 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Davis is the Tiger's second leading scorer and lead rebounder. She shoots 39 percent from the floor, 36.4 percent from the 3-point range, and 71.4 percent from the charity stipe. 

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