By Thomas Corhern, TTU Athletics Media Relations

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The first half was a battle as Tennessee Tech and Southern Indiana fought to a 34-34 draw at the intermission.

The third quarter, however, was a different story. The host Screaming Eagles forced four Tech turnovers to create a 10-point run before the media timeout. By the time the stanza ended, USI had outscored Tech 25-10.

Despite outscoring the hosts 16-13 down the stretch, the deficit was just too large to come back from on Saturday as the Screaming Eagles topped the Golden Eagles 72-60 at Liberty Arena.

Tech falls to 7-9 in the conference, 14-11 overall, with four games remaining in the regular season. The Golden Eagles remain in seventh place in the Ohio Valley Conference standings with SIUE – Thursday's opponent – looming larger after a win over UT Martin on Saturday inches the Cougars (5-11 OVC) to just two games back of Tech.

Reghan Grimes and Chloe Larry led the Golden Eagles with 13 points each, while Larry had eight rebounds. Reagan Hurst had nine points and Lyriq Mastin had eight.

Ali Saunders led USI with 17 points, while Chloe Gannon had 15 points, Channah Gannon 11 points and Amiyah Buchanan had eight points and 10 rebounds. Saunders also had eight of the Screaming Eagles' 11 assists.

USI controlled the paint, outscoring Tech 36-18 under the basket. The Screaming Eagles also shot 56.3 percent in the third quarter and went 19-for-21 from the free-throw line as the Golden Eagles were charged with 17 fouls.

Tech also saw the hosts hold the advantage on the glass, outrebounded 45-32 with 17 offensive rebounds to create 19 second-chance points.

The Golden Eagles now shift focus toward their final two home contests of the regular season with SIUE coming in Thursday and Lindenwood on Saturday.

Tickets for those games are on sale now – call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or order online at TTUsports.com.

Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Athletics Media Relations