January 6, 2011

Stingy Morehead State defense thwarts Tech in battle for first place

The Tennessee Tech women’s basketball team absorbed its first OVC loss of the season, falling to Morehead State in a battle for first place. The host Eagles had five players in double figures in the 78-53 contest.

MOREHEAD, Ky. – The Tennessee Tech women's basketball team suffered its first Ohio Valley Conference loss of the season as it fell to the Morehead State Eagles, 78-53, in a battle for first place in the league standings.

From the opening tip, Morehead State controlled the pace as it jumped out to a 12-2 lead just 5:29 into the first half.

MSU kept the pressure up as it extended its lead to take a 42-18 advantage into the locker room. The host Eagles shot 56 percent from the field while Tech managed just four field goals in 22 attempts.

Tech started to find its rhythm in the second half as the Golden Eagles were able to put up 35 points on 14-of-27 shots from the field. It was not enough to close the gap, however, as Morehead State kept pace with the Golden Eagles throughout the second half en route to the 25-point victory.

Junior center Brittany Darling paced the Golden Eagle offense with 15 points and five rebounds, while freshman forward Molly Heady added nine points and nine rebounds.

Morehead State was led by reigning OVC Player of the Year Chynna Bozeman as she posted a game-high 18 points. All five MSU starters scored in double figures.

As a team Morehead State forced 24 TTU turnovers and recorded 13 steals. The Eagles also owned a slight, 34-33 edge in rebounds.

Tennessee Tech (9-4, 3-1 OVC) concludes its two-game road trip Saturday, as it takes on Eastern Kentucky. Opening tip is set for 3 p.m. CT.