By Holly Weber, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn.—After a quick break from their final non-conference match on Monday, the Tennessee Tech women's basketball team (4-9, 0-0 OVC) is recharged and ready to take on their first conference opponent of the season: Eastern Illinois (1-11, 0-0 OVC) in a 1 p.m. contest on Thursday in the Eblen Center.
This will be the first conference match of the season for both Tech and Eastern Illinois. The Golden Eagles head into conference play with a 4-9 record (placed 10th in the OVC), most recently falling to Georgia 48-81. While, the Panthers open conference play with a 1-11 record and are currently on a 11-game losing streak sitting 12th in the conference.
Senior Samaria Howard leads the Golden Eagles averaging 18.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Howard shoots 36.5 percent from the floor, 25 percent from the 3-point range, and 75.8 percent from the line. Her 238 points thus far this season rank her 21st in the nation and 3rd in the OVC, while her 219 field goal attempts rank her 8th in the NCAA.
Hannah Goolsby stands as Tech's second leading scorer and sharp shooter from beyond the arc. Goolsby averages 10.2 points per game and shoots 40.0 percent from the 3-point range.
Newcomer Alliyah Smith leads the Golden Eagles in rebounds and is Tech's third leading scorer. Smith averages 5.6 points and 6.9 boards per game.
As a team, the Golden Eagles average 58.2 points and 36.1 rebounds per game. Tech shoots 36.9 percent from the floor, 67.4 perecnt from the line and 29.4 percent from the 3-point range. Eastern Illinois averages 61.4 points and 34 boards per game, while shooting 38.2 percent from the field, 29.1 percent from beyond the arc, and 74.6 percent from the line.
The Panthers are led by Shakita Cox, who averages 12.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. Cox shoots 44.4 percent from the floor, 35.9 percent from the 3-point range, and 83.3 percent from the line. She has scored in double figures 8 times this season, including 3 of the last 4 games EIU has played.
Another key player on the Panther's team is Erica Brown. Brown averages 10.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. She shoots 44.9 percent from the field and 80 percent from the line.
Season and game tickets can be purchased by visiting the Athletic Ticket Office in Eblen Center or by calling 931-372-3940. Tickets may also be purchased online at TTUsports.com.
You can follow the Golden Eagles online on Facebook and on Twitter at @TTUWBB and @TTUGoldenEagles.
