By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech started the new basketball season on a high note as the Golden Eagle women took an 82-54 victory over Emory & Henry on Monday night.
The Golden Eagles (1-0) got offensive production from every player on the roster as Tech finished the game shooting 45.6 from the field, despite the defensive presence from the visiting Wasps.
True freshman Chloe Larry led the Golden Eagles in scoring with 17 points, while Reagan Grimes narrowly missed a double-double with 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Newcomer Taris Thornton also had 16 points and two blocks. Peyton Carter scored 11 points and a team-best six assists.
Emory & Henry played the game as an exhibition and its statistics will not count in its regular season. Lyndie Ramsey led the team with 19 points, while Hannah Spainhour added 12 points and seven rebounds.
Tech controlled the glass, outrebounding the Wasps 44-33 with the Golden Eagles collecting 17 offensive boards, including four for Anna Walker, which accounted for 20 second-chance points. The defense also forced 25 turnovers, including three steals for Larry, with the Golden Eagles turning them into 21 points.
The Golden Eagles never trailed in the contest, outscoring the Wasps 19-11 in the first quarter, then extended the lead to 38-24 at the intermission. Tech edged E&H 21-20 in the third, but the Golden Eagles surged once more in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Wasps 23-10 in the final 10 minutes.
In the fourth quarter, Tech shot 53.3 percent from the field, while holding E&H to a 2-for-13 performance or 15.4 percent.
Emory & Henry shot 32.7 percent for the game, including 8-for-26 from long range, while also shooting 10-for-13 at the free-throw line.
The Golden Eagles return to action Thursday as they hit the road for the first time for a 5 p.m. contest at Chattanooga. Tech will return home Sunday for a 6 p.m. game against North Alabama.
Tickets for Tennessee Tech basketball are on sale now – call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or order online at TTUsports.com.
Photo | Jim Dillon
