By Holly Weber, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
MURRAY, Ky.—The Tennessee Tech women's basketball team (5-11, 1-2 OVC) opened up conference road play against Murray State (6-7, 2-0 OVC) on Thursday night. The Racers defeated the Golden Eagles 56-50, despite Tech's attempt to comeback in the fourth quarter.
The Golden Eagles and Racers opened the contest slow in pace, with Tech holding the slight advantage over Murray State. Samaria Howard proved why she is Tech's leading scorer, racking up Tech's eight points before Lindsey Jennings dropped a bucket with 3:11 left in the first quarter to give Tech the 10-4 lead over Murray State. The Golden Eagles closed out the first quarter ahead of the Racers 16-11.
Murray State got on their horse in the second quarter and held strong both offensively and defensively. The Racers dropped three buckets before a layup from Jennings gave Tech their first bucket of the quarter at the 7:49 mark and a tied score of 18-18. Murray State fought hard and went on an 8-2 run to take the 26-20 lead over Tech with 3:49 left in the first half. The Golden Eagles tried to recover their deficit, however, the Racers closed out the first half with a five-point lead at 28-23.
Murray State ended the first half shooting 37.5 percent from the floor compared to the Golden Eagles 34.6 percent, however,Tech out rebounded the Racers 20-19.
Into the second half, the Racers continued to apply pressure on the Golden Eagles. Murray State came out hot and took an 11-point lead at 35-24 at the 7:03 mark. The Racers held strong throughout the remainder of the quarter and closed with a 46-35 lead over the Golden Eagles.
Tech would not go down easily. The Golden Eagles made a strong campaign for a comeback in the fourth quarter. A jumper by Goolsby at the 8:54 mark brought Tech back within eight at 48-40. However, Murray State quickly responded and pulled ahead 54-40 with 5:27 left in the game. Here is where the Tech team began to find some momentum. Three buckets by Howard followed by two made free throws pulled the score back within six at 54-48 with 4:08 left in the game. The Golden Eagles continued to fight, however, the Racers held strong defensively and took the game 56-50 over the Golden Eagles.
Howard led Tech with 28 points and eight rebounds. Goolsby posted nine points, while Jennings put up six. Ke'Shaun James led Murray State with 19 points, while LeAsia Wright put up 15.
The Golden Eagles continue their adventures on the road with a game on Jan. 9 at Austin Peay. Tech and the Governors will tip off at 4 p.m. in the Winfield Dunn Center.
