By Thomas Corhern, TTU Athletics Media Relations
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It's the culmination of a long season as the Tennessee Tech women's basketball team will conclude the home portion of its schedule on Saturday as the Golden Eagles host preseason favorite Lindenwood on Saturday.
The visiting Lions are certainly trying to uphold their end of the bargain, but are trying to get past Western Illinois at the top of the standings, just a game back from the Leathernecks.
However, the Golden Eagles still have a lot to fight for as they look to lock down a spot in the Ohio Valley Conference Basketball Championships. With three games remaining in league play, Tech has a chance to get its eighth-straight season with double-digit OVC wins and its eighth straight winning season overall.
It's a favorable schedule, but the Lions still remain a formidable roadblock ahead.
Tipoff Saturday is at 1 PM. Dylan Vazzano and Frank Harrell will have the call on ESPN+ (subscription required), Craig Cantrell and Buddy Pearson will narrate the action on 106.1 The Eagle, while Josh Scott and Mindy Odom will broadcast the game locally on WCTE.
Also on the docket for Saturday is a celebration for the Golden Eagles' four seniors – Reghan Grimes, Reagan Hurst, Cam Mathews and manager Shaela Ledbetter Garrett. The presentation will follow the game before the men tip off against the Lions.
Lindenwood is averaging 73.7 points a game and allowing 61.2 on defense, shooting .466 from the field, .381 from 3-point range and .772 at the free-throw line. The Lions average 8.4 3-pointers and 12.0 free throws made per game.
Aleshia Jones leads a trio of double-digit scorers, averaging 15.1 points per game, while Ellie Brueggemann and Brooke Coffey both average 13.8 points. Coffey also leads the team in rebounds with 7.9 boards per game, while Jones leads in steals with 67 and Brueggemann leads in blocks (12) and assists (92).
Tech, meanwhile, is averaging 66.2 points per game and allowing 63.3. Grimes missed the last outing against SIUE on Thursday, but continues to lead the team in scoring average (13.6 ppg) and assists (70). Chloe Larry (13.5 ppg) and Hurst (12.0 ppg) are both also in double-digit scoring, while freshman LaReesha Cawthorn (9.8 ppg) leads the team in rebounds (9.8 ppg), blocks (32) and steals (46).
Lindenwood won the earlier meeting in St. Charles on Jan. 22, topping the Golden Eagles 66-55.
Tickets to Saturday's game are on sale now – call (931) 372-3940, visit the Eblen Center ticket office or order online at TTUsports.com.
Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Athletics Media Relations
