By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The exhibition contest for the Tennessee Tech women's basketball team was a productive one on Thursday night as the Golden Eagles saw action from every member of the 2021-22 roster, putting together an excellent showing as Tech defeated Division II Christian Brothers 86-56.
While the statistics from Thursday's game won't count toward career totals, there were a lot of positives to come out of the contest.
Junior Maaliya Owens led all scorers with 16 points, shooting 5-for-9 from the floor and 3-for-5 from 3-point range, while also collecting three of four free-throw attempts at the stripe. The Tech starting lineup of Kesha Brady, Jordan Brock, Mackenzie Coleman and Jada Guinn played just under half the game and combined for 37 of Tech's total points, while shooting a combined 16-of-32 from the field.
Coleman was the other Tech scorer in double-digit points, going 5-for-9 for 11 points.
The Tech women was able to move the ball well against CBU, collecting 23 assists. Ansley Hall led the way with five dimes, while Megan Clark had four. The Golden Eagles outrebounded the Lady Bucs 51-40, but especially dominated on the offensive glass. Tech had 26 offensive caroms, leading to 20 second-chance points.
Defense also played a big part, forcing 26 turnovers. Tech had 16 steals and converted the turnovers into 32 points.
Christian Brothers had three players in double-digit scoring with Yaya Coleman – a North Carolina A&T transfer – scoring 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting. Jeremia Montgomery was 6-for-10 at the free-throw line among her 11 points, while Braylee McMath had 10 points.
Coleman completed the double-double as she pulled down 10 rebounds out of the Lady Bucs' total of 10.
Through the first half, the Golden Eagles were 21-for-44 from the floor, shooting 47.7 percent, which was good enough to propel Tech to a 51-21 lead at the intermission. An 18-9 effort in the third quarter extended the advantage, but the Lady Bucs made a late push to outscore Tech 26-17 in the final 10 minutes.
The Golden Eagles will return to pregame preparation this weekend as the team will host its annual Biscuits and Basketball event with an open practice and a fan meet-and-greet session before the players begin the Maintain the Tradition free-throw shooting fundraiser. More information on the fundraiser can be found on TTUsports.com.
Doors open for the event at 8:30 a.m. with a limited quantity of Chik-fil-a biscuits available.
Tech opens up the regular season on November 9 as it hosts Bethel. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Season tickets for Tennessee Tech basketball are on sale now. Call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or visit TTUsports.com to order.
Photo | Jim Dillon