By Holly Weber, TTU Sports Information Coordinator

RICHMOND, Ky.—The Tennneseee Tech women's basketball team (6-14, 2-5 OVC) recently snapped their five-game losing streak when the Golden Eagles defeated Tennessee State, 70-60, in a thrilling 31-point fourth quarter showing. Tech now hits the road to take on Eastern Kentucky (10-7, 4-2 OVC) in a 3 p.m. contest at the McBrayer Arena.

The Colonels recently grabbed their 300th OVC win when Eastern Kentucky defeated Murray State 72-60 on Wednesday.  The Golden Eagles have moved to 10th in the OVC standings, while the Colonels stand at fifth place. 

Samaria Howard leads the Golden Eagles averaging 19.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Howard shoots 40.2 percent from the field, 28.9 percent from the 3-point range, and 75.9 percent from the line. Her 19.9 points per game rank her 3rd in the OVC and 29th in the NCAA. Howard's 397 total points on the season rank her 12th nationally, while her 104 made free throws rank her 10th and her 141 made field goals rank her 14th.

Yaktavia Hickson continues to serve as another pivotal guard on the Tech team. In Hickson's last showing against Tennessee State, she racked up 14 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals. She is the Golden Eagle's third leading scorer, averaging 7.5 points per game and shooting 37.1 percent from the floor, 25.4 percent from beyond the arc, and 84.4 percent from the line.

Tech's power under the hoop comes from junior Alliyah Smith and senior Mariah Dean. Smith averages 7.1 rebounds per game, while Dean has come back after sustaining a foot injury in the first half of the season to average 4.5 boards per game.

As a team, Tech averages 60.5 points, 36.6 boards, and 18.9 turnovers per game. The Golden Eagles shoot 38.8 percent from the field, 28.1 percent from the 3-point range, and 68.7 percent from the line.

Eastern Kentucky averages 72.6 points, 40.6 rebounds, and 15.7 turnovers per game. The Colonels shoot 42.1 percent from the floor, 33.2 percent from beyond the arc, and 68.6 percent from the line. 

Jalen O'Bannon is leading the way for Eastern Kentucky. O'Bannon averages 16.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. She shoots 50 percent from the field and 73.5 percent from the line. She leads the OVC with nine double-doubles on the season and ranks 20th nationally.

If you can't make it to the game, you can listen live on 106.1 The Eagle with broadcaster Dylan Vazzano or watch the game live on the OVC Digital Network.

You can follow the Golden Eagles online on Facebook and on Twitter at @TTUWBB and @TTUGoldenEagles.