By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It'll be a chance for fans to get a sneak peek at the 2021-22 Tennessee Tech women's basketball team on Thursday night as the Golden Eagles will host Christian Brothers in an exhibition contest.
The game is the first portion of the Purple Palooza doubleheader at the Hooper Eblen Center. Doors open to the public Thursday at 4:30 p.m. as local businesses and organizations, as well as Tennessee Tech teams and student groups will host trick-or-treat stations around the Eblen Center concourse.
The women's game against Christian Brothers will begin at 5:30 p.m., while the Tennessee Tech men will take on Berea College at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Tech's women were picked second in last week's Ohio Valley Conference preseason poll, while also earning four players on the Preseason All-OVC squad, the most since the 1995-96 campaign, as Kesha Brady, Jordan Brock, Mackenzie Coleman and Anna Jones were all selected to the team.
The Golden Eagles also return nearly its entire lineup from the 2020-21 season, which culminated in the team's second appearance in the OVC tournament semifinals in the last three years. In addition to a deep Tech roster, the Golden Eagles also bring in an exciting group of newcomers, including Chattanooga transfer Anna Walker and freshmen Reagan Hurst, Olivia Koontz and Harley Paynter.
Christian Brothers finished 5-9 last season in a COVID-shortened campaign. Emily Jones stands as the team's top returning scorer and rebounder, averaging 12.1 points and 5.3 boards. CBU will be looking for someone to follow in the footsteps of Brynne Lytle, who finished 2020-21 averaging 25.6 points and 6.5 rebounds.
Thursday's game – and all of the Purple Palooza event – is free and open to the public.
The Tech women will open the 2021-22 season in earnest on November 9 as the Golden Eagles host Bethel College.
Season tickets for Tennessee Tech basketball are on sale now. Call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or visit TTUsports.com to order.
Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
