Posted: Nov 10, 2022
By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech women's basketball team scored the same or outscored the homestanding Cincinnati Bearcats in three of the four quarters on Thursday afternoon, but it was the second quarter that proved to be the difference in the contest as the Bearcats topped the Golden Eagles 68-57.
The Golden Eagles (1-1) were outscored 21-7 in the second period as Tech's shots wouldn't fall, shooting 3-for-16 from the floor in the quarter, including 1-for-6 from beyond-the-arc. While Cincinnati didn't shoot too much better, the Bearcats knocked down three 3-pointers and hit four of their five shots at the free-throw line. Cincinnati had a 14-0 run during that stretch.
Tech led 15-14 after the opening stanza, outscored the Bearcats 20-18 in the third and matched Cincinnati's 15 points in the fourth.
Where Tech was able to work its way to a victory on Monday at the free-throw line by drawing fouls, the Golden Eagles still drew whistles with 17, but only saw nine shots at the stripe, hitting seven.
Maaliya Owens paced Tech with 14 points as she hit four of the Golden Eagles' 10 3-pointers, while alos collecting two rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. Freshman Reghan Grimes also had a strong outing, going 4-for-9 from the field with two 3-pointers, while also pulling down four boards and an assist.
Anna Walker led Tech on the glass, bringing down 11 caroms to go with her seven points, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Reagan Hurst and Jada Guinn each had seven rebounds, while Hurst also blocked two shots.
Peyton Carter dished out a team-high three assists as the Golden Eagles collected 13 total.
Cincinnati (1-1) also had two players with double-digit scoring as Jillian Hayes scored 19 points and had nine rebounds and Mya Jackson had 18 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Statistically, the two teams were fairly even as both teams pulled down 48 rebounds, the Bearcats had one more assist (14) and one more block (seven). One of the differences was on defense as Cincinnati had 10 steals to Tech's three and forced 16 total turnovers.
The Golden Eagles return to action on Monday as they host Samford in a single contest, starting at 6 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now -- call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or visit TTUsports.com.
Photo | Jim Dillon, file