By Jocelyn VerVelde, TTU Sports Information Coordinator.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech women's basketball team is familiar with the road this season. Unfortunately, the road has not welcomed the Golden Eagles in a friendly manor.
In their 13th game away from Cookeville, the Golden Eagles looked to challenge a hot Austin Peay (7-13, 4-3) squad, which entered the game riding a three-game winning streak. However, the 13th road game was unlucky for Tech, as Austin Peay extended its streak to four with a 79-70 victory.
In a back-and-forth first half, where the lead changed nine times, the Golden Eagles saw juniors Candace Parson and Diamond Henderson score all but one of the Tech baskets, as they put up 12 and 16, respectively. As a team, Tech played very clean, committing just five turnovers and seven team fouls. While forcing APSU into 11 turnovers, the Golden Eagles also were fouled 10 times, making 11 of 13 from the charity stripe. However, the Lady Govs shot a blistering 66.7 percent from beyond the arc, and 46.4 percent from the field, to head into the intermission with a one-point lead, 37-36.
Out of the break, the Golden Eagles (7-13, 4-3) earned the early advantage, scoring five of the first seven of the period, but the Lady Govs took advantage and went on a 17-point run between the 17:42 minute mark and the 13:03 mark, when a Henderson free-throw stopped the run.
The Golden Eagles cut the lead to nine on a Molly Heady three, with 2:57 to play, and kept on fighting as the lead was cut to five with just 30 seconds left. However, free throws for the Lady Govs moved the lead back up to nine, and the Golden Eagle comeback was stifled.
Henderson finished with a game-high 25 points, adding five boards and four assists. Parson finished with her fourth double-double of the season as she tallied 14 points and 10 boards. Heady's 11 points, all in the second half, were key in the comeback attempt. She added four rebounds, two steals and a block.
APSU finished the game shooting a crisp 50 percent from the field, despite committing 19 turnovers. Both guards Kristen Stainback and Tiasha Gray finished with 20 points, while freshman Tearra Banks posted a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Nicole Olszewski rounded out the double-digit scorers for the Lady Govs as she finished with 10 points and a game-high six assists.
The Golden Eagles will look to bounce as they head back on the road to Murray State for a 7 p.m. CT tip.
