By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – With the exhibition game behind the Tennessee Tech women's basketball team, the Golden Eagles now set their sights on the regular season. Following the 66-53 victory over Stephens College on Thursday night, they'll have a road map on what the next couple of weeks will have in store.
Tech got double-digit scoring nights from Anna Walker, Jordan Brock and Maaliya Owens as Walker led the way with 15 points, Brock and Owens 14. Walker also recorded a double-double in the contest – though it won't stand in her official stats as it was an exhibition affair – as she pulled down 12 rebounds. She shot 6-for-10 from the field for the highest rate in the lineup Thursday night, while she was also 3-for-3 at the line.
The preseason contest also saw the Golden Eagles lose 19 turnovers, though many could be attributed to the aggressive defensive effort from Stephens College, coached by former Tech men's basketball assistant Andre Bell. The visiting Stars converted the turnovers into 14 points.
Tech also had a tough night at the free-throw line, sinking 11 of 20 shots. The visiting Stars didn't fare much better – shooting 9-for-16 at the stripe, making it a wash.
The Golden Eagles were able to counteract that by getting the ball in the right hands at the right time as Tech hit 23 baskets and had 23 assists – claiming a dime on every swish. Peyton Carter led the team with six assists, Owens had four, while Brock, Reagan Hurst and Jada Guinn each had three.
Stars' leading scorer Allison Moore showed why she was the squad's top shooter last year, collecting 17 points on 7-of-15 shooting and draining three 3-point shots in the contest. Foul trouble hampered Marveen Ross' production, held to six points despite four fouls, while Alayas Douglas chipped in with 13 points and a team-high seven rebounds.
Despite the slow start, the Golden Eagles still had solid shooting numbers from the floor, shooting 42.6 percent, while also knocking down nine 3-pointers – including four each for Brock and Owens – as Tech shot 42.9 percent from beyond the arc.
The Stars fought tough against the Golden Eagles as neither team was able to get a foothold in the first half – that was until Tech closed out the second quarter on a 7-0 run to claim a 26-19 advantage at the intermission. The Golden Eagles outscored Stephens College 26-23 and 14-11 in the last two quarters to hold the Stars at bay.
Tech opens the season on November 7 as the Golden Eagles host Ball State at the Eblen Center.
Season tickets for Tech basketball is on sale now. Call (931) 372-3940, visit the Eblen Center ticket office or visit TTUsports.com.
Photo | Jim Dillon
