Tech women grab two in Nashville

Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles women’s basketball team returns victorious from a two game road trip in Nashville.
After a 16 point home loss to Murray State on Jan. 29, the women’s team went on the road to defeat Belmont and Tennessee State Saturday and Monday night.
In the first matchup against Belmont University, Tech’s ability to capitalize on free throw shooting helped seal the victory. Tech visited the charity strike 25 times in the second half, scoring 18 points before capturing the 67 to 62 win.
Monday night’s win against Tennessee State was another close contest for the Golden Eagles. The games decision required overtime, in which senior Guard Lashay Davis caught fire; scoring the first eight of Tech’s 13 points in the extended time period. Tough defense and rebounding was enough to hold off the Lady Tigers and take a 71 to 68 victory.
Junior and Senior guards Diamond Henderson and Jala Harris led the women’s team in scoring during both away games. Harris scored game highs in both contest, scoring 21 and 19 respectively.  Henderson, the team’s leading scorer, finished with 17 in both games.
“It is very important for me and Jala to aggressive scorers.” says Henderson, “When we attack; we break down defenses which gets everyone else involved. That is also our roles on the team, and it is something we have to do every game.”
Strong performances in rebounds were another factor in the two game winning streak in Nashville. Sophomore forward T’Keyah Williams led the way, bringing down 11 boards in each game. Williams also had one of her best college performances versus Belmont; finishing with a double-double of 10 points.
“Rebounding wins championships,” says Williams. “I think that when teams get offensive rebounds, they are able to hang in there with us. They can’t beat us with the first shot, but they can if we allow them the second.  Rebounding is important to our success and I take pride in it.”
The two victories bring the women’s team to 13-10 regular season record. Along with improving to 7-3 in Ohio Valley Conference play, Tech is now tied with Belmont and EKU for first place in the Eastern division.