By Holly Weber, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn.—The Tennessee Tech women's basketball team (8-17, 4-8 OVC) is all set to host its annual "Think Pink" game as part of a doubleheader Saturday against Jacksonville State University (10-14, 5-7 OVC) in Eblen Center. The Golden Eagle women take on the Gamecocks at 5:30 p.m. CT, followed by the men's game at 7:30 p.m.
The first 1,000 TTU fans into Eblen Center will receive a free, specially designed "Think Pink" t-shirt.
In addition, fans are encouraged to show their support by wearing pink to the game. Tickets are on sale for just one dollar for everyone wearing pink.
Tech returns home after snapping their 3-game losing streak with a 64-56 victory at Tennessee State. Jacksonville State travels to Cookeville after falling to Belmont 42-56.
When the Golden Eagles and Gamecocks last met on Feb. 6, Jacksonville State defeated Tech 55-46. In the matchup, Samaria Howard hit a game-high 21 points while grabbing the Golden Eagle's only 3 steals of the game. Two players scored in double-figures for the Gamecocks: Briana Benson posted 14 points, while Rayven Pearson tallied 10. Tech outrebounded JSU 47-44, and both teams gave up 14 turnovers. The Gamecocks shot 29.3 percent from the floor compared to the Golden Eagle's 24.1 percent.
Howard stands as Tech's leading scorer averaging 20.5 points per game and third leading rebounder averaging 5.4 boards per game. Her 20.5 points per game rank her second in the OVC and 23rd in the NCAA, while Howard's 133 made free throws rank her eighth nationally and her 182 made field goals rank her 11th in the NCAA. Howard has scored in double-figures for all 25 of Tech's games thus far this season, including 15, 20+ point games, and 2 double-double showings.
Another key player on the Tech team is sophomore Shug Hickson. Hickson is Tech's third leading scorer averaging 8.6 points per game. In conference play, she is the OVC's second leading free throw shooter, shooting 89.7 percent from the charity stripe. On the season, Hickson shoots 39.2 percent from the floor, 30 percent from beyond the arc, and 85.4 percent from the line.
As a team, the Golden Eagles average 61.9 points, 37.3 rebounds, and 17.7 turnovers per game. Tech shoots 38.7 percent from the field, 28.2 percent from the 3-point range, and 71.4 percent from the line.
Jacksonville State averages 55.8 points, 36.2 rebounds, and 15.6 turnovers per game. The Gamecocks shoot 35.4 percent from the floor, 30.6 percent from beyond the arc, and 66.7 percent from the line. In conference play, JSU ranks first in scoring defense (692 pts, 57.7 per game) and field goal percentage defense (37.7%).
Benson leads the Gamecocks in scoring averaging 11.7 points per game. She shoots 32.6 percent from the field, 29.1 percent from the 3-point range, and 89.7 percent from the charity stripe (which ranks her first in free throw percentage in OVC play).
Another key player on the JSU lineup is Tyler Phelion who averages 8.9 points and 7 boards per game. Phelion is ranked second in offensive rebounds (40 boards, 3.3 per game) in conference games.
In the series, the Golden Eagles lead the Gamecocks 17-8. Tech also leads in games at Cookeville 8-3.
For additional information on any of the events scheduled that night, or ticket information for the remainder of the season, please call (931) 372-3940.
You can follow the Golden Eagles online on Facebook and on Twitter at @TTUWBB and @TTUGoldenEagles.
