By Holly Weber, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—A big second and fourth quarter surge gave the Tennessee Tech women's basketball team (8-17, 4-8 OVC) the momentum they needed to secure a 64-56 victory over Tennessee State (10-15, 5-7 OVC).
The Golden Eagles came out on fire in the second quarter off of a 14-12 lead from the first. Tech went on a 9-0 run to pull ahead 23-12, holding the Tigers scoreless in the second until the 5:54 mark when TSU's Jordan Brightwell hit a jumper from the top of the key. The Tigers tried to gain some momentum in the latter half of the quarter hitting five buckets with less than three minutes to go in the quarter and pulled the game within seven at 35-28 going into halftime.
Despite Tech opening the third quarter with a three from Howard and a layup from Smith, TSU made a strong campaign for a comeback. The Tigers began to close the gap with under four minutes to go in the quarter when they pulled within three at 42-39 with 3:54 to go. A three from Diamond Beatty followed by a layup from I'mani Davis tied up the game at the end of the third at 44, putting the pressure on the Golden Eagle squad.
Another surge in the fourth quarter helped give Tech the push they needed. The Golden Eagles opened the quarter with a bucket by Howard who drew the foul and went to the line to put down another and give Tech the 47-44 lead. Tiger foul trouble helped secure a Golden Eagle victory allowing Tech to make 10-of-11 free throws in the fourth quarter, while holding TSU to just 12 points to Tech's 20 in the quarter.
The Golden Eagles shot 38.6 percent from the field compared to the Tigers 33.9 percent for the game. Tech outrebounded TSU 44-36, but the Golden Eagles gave up 13 turnovers to the Tigers eight. Howard led the Golden Eagles with 18 points and six rebounds, while Alliyah Smith tied her career high with 13 points and added eight rebounds to the Tech win. Jayda Johnson led the Tigers with a game-high 23 points and eight rebounds.
The Golden Eagles return home on Saturday to host Jacksonville State in a 5:30 p.m. contest at Eblen Center.
