By Holly Weber, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
ATHENS, Ga.—The Tennessee Tech women's basketball team (4-9) hit a rough patch in their final non-conference game against the University of Georgia (12-1). The Bulldogs defeated the Golden Eagles 81-48, showing just how much of an SEC (Southeastern Confernce) powerhouse they are.
Georgia came out on fire right off the bat opening with an 11-0 lead over Tech. Alliyah Smith gave Tech their first bucket of the night at the 4:53 mark when Smith hit a jumper to bring the score to 11-2. However, the Golden Eagles could not seem to find a momentum in the first quarter scoring just three points to the Bulldogs 21. Tech shot 9.1 percent from the field in the first quarter and gave up five turnovers, whereas Georgia shot 45 percent from the floor and gave up only two turnovers.
The Golden Eagles fared better in the second quarter, connecting on 6-of-11 from the field and scoring 16 points. However, the Bulldogs continued to press their lead and scored 29 points giving up only two more turnovers to Tech's six. At the end of the first half, the Golden Eagles shot 31.85 percent from the field, 20 percent from the three point range, and 66.7 percent from the line. Georgia shot 52.6 percent from the field, 77.8 percent from the 3-point range, and 42.9 percent from the line.
Into the second half, the Bulldogs continued to dominate the Golden Eagles chalking up 22 points in the third quarter compared to Tech's 16. The Golden Eagles came back to outscore the Bulldogs 13-9 in the fourth, but it was not enough to make up for their deficit.
As a team, Tech closed out the game connecting 17-of-53 from the floor to shoot 32.1 percent from the floor and then shot 21.4 percent from the 3-point range and 57.9 percent from the line. Georgia shot 49.3 percent from the field, 64.3 percent from the 3-point range, and 50 percent from the line.
Howard led the Golden Eagles with 15 points, five rebounds and three steals. Hickson posted 9 points and two steals. Pachis Roberts lead Georgia with 25 points and five rebounds.
The Golden Eagles return to action on Dec. 31 when they host Eastern Illinois in their first conference game of the season in a 1 p.m. contest at the Eblen Center.
