By Alex Boggis, UT Martin Assistant Sports Information Director
MARTIN, Tenn. – A tough second quarter in which the University of Tennessee at Martin women’s basketball team was outscored by 13 points proved to be the difference in the contest as the home squad dropped an Ohio Valley Conference matchup to visiting Tennessee Tech by a final margin of 61-49.
The Skyhawks (6-9, 2-2 OVC) could not close out the team’s final game of the three-game homestand with an unblemished record as the squad struggled on both ends of the floor. While the first quarter saw both teams go back-and-forth in a game which saw seven lead changes and five ties, it was a 28-point effort by Golden Eagles in the second quarter which stretched the visitor’s margin out and gave them the breathing room for victory.
Tennessee Tech (9-5, 3-1 OVC) shot at a high clip in the contest, finishing with a 46.2 percentage. Their best stretch came in the second quarter when they made 11-of-15 shot attempts (73.3 percent) while knocking down four three-pointers. Conversely, UT Martin struggled from the field, shooting just 37.5 percent from the floor while making just 1-of-16 three-point attempts.
Both teams did a lot of damage in the paint despite injuries shortening their depth in the post. The Golden Eagles tallied 34 points in the paint compared to the Skyhawks 30 while also maximizing on their forced turnovers with 20 points coming off UTM mishaps.
UT Martin had two players score in double figures with freshman forward Anaya Brown narrowly missing out on a double-double with a career-high 13 points while adding nine rebounds. Sophomore guard Shae Littleford also reached double figures with 10 points.
“Tech is an experienced team that is playing three or four juniors and seniors,” UT Martin head coach Kevin McMillan said. “I told our kids that they are going to look for an opportunity to take advantage of you and you can’t give it to them. In the second quarter, we gave them an opportunity and they took advantage of it. We are going to have to grow through these growing pains while hopefully they figure these things out.”
The Golden Eagles posted a well-rounded effort with four players reaching double-digits. Reghan Grimes paced the team with 12 points and six rebounds while Maaliya Owens ranked second with 11 points. TTU was rounded out by Reagan Hurst and Jordan Brock each adding 10 points.
UT Martin will hit the road for its next three matchups beginning with a matchup at Tennessee State on Thursday, Jan. 12.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information