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Tennessee Tech Faces Uphill Battle Against OVC-leading Western Illinois
Cookeville,Tenn. – Tennessee Tech aims to shake up the Ohio Valley Conference standings Thursday evening when they host the first-place Western Illinois Leathernecks at the hooper Eblen Centre. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT,with live coverage available on 106.1 The Eagle.
After navigating a challenging stretch in January, the Golden Eagles (12-9, 5-7 OVC) have rediscovered momentum with consecutive victories, ending a seven-game losing streak. However, notable work remains as they strive to climb the conference table.
Currently, western Illinois (18-3, 10-2 OVC) holds a commanding lead in the OVC, but their vulnerability on the road – losses at UT Martin on January 1 and Morehead State on January 22 – presents a potential opening for Tennessee Tech. southern Indiana and Morehead State trail closely behind at 9-3, while Lindenwood sits at 9-4. UT Martin and Little Rock are tied for fifth, with Tennessee Tech in seventh and Southeast Missouri currently occupying the final tournament spot at 4-8. SIUE, tennessee State, and Eastern Illinois find themselves outside looking in.
The biggest challenge for Tennessee Tech will be containing Mia Nicastro, the OVC’s leading scorer, averaging an extraordinary 23.5 points per game – second onyl to Iowa State’s Audi Crooks at 25.9 ppg. Nicastro also dominates the boards, leading the conference with 10.1 rebounds per game.
the Golden Eagles have adapted to the absence of Raegan mccowan, who sustained an injury on December 18, with Addi Brownfield and Mallory Shetley stepping up to average 12.7 and 10.2 points, respectively.Brownfield also leads the Leathernecks in assists (63), blocks (22), and steals (48).
Western Illinois boasts a potent offense, averaging 77.1 points per game while limiting opponents to 60.3.Their shooting percentages are strong, connecting on.453 from the field, .339 from three-point range, and .784 at the free-throw line, averaging 5.2 three-pointers and 17.2 made free throws per contest.
the teams previously met on January 10, resulting in a 77-60 victory for Western Illinois. The Leathernecks established a significant lead early, shooting 57.1% from the field in the first quarter and 76.9% in the second to build a 43-27 halftime advantage. While Tennessee Tech narrowed the gap in the third quarter, Western Illinois ultimately pulled away in the fourth. Nicastro led the Leathernecks with 25 points, while Shetley, Brownfield, and Allie Meadows contributed 14, 11, and 10 points, respectively. Chloe Larry paced Tennessee Tech with 16 points, followed by Reghan Grimes with 13, and Cam Mathews and Lyriq Mastin with 10 each.
Larry has been a key contributor for the Golden Eagles recently, averaging 17.6 points over the last five games, including a career-high 28 points against Tennessee State on Monday. This performance propelled her into the team lead in scoring, averaging 14.1 points per game, while Reghan Grimes remains the overall leading scorer with 290 points and a 13.8-point average.
Grimes also leads the team in assists (59), while OVC Freshman of the Week LaReesha Cawthorn excels in rebounding (9.4 per game), blocks (25), and steals (39). Reagan Hurst adds 12.1 points per game, with mathews (8.8 ppg) and Cawthorn (8.6 ppg) close behind.
Tennessee tech averages 67.3 points per game while allowing 62.0, shooting .379 from the field, .327 from long range, and .706 from the free-throw line. They average 6.9 three-pointers and 14.7 free throws made per game.
Following Thursday’s matchup, tennessee Tech will host Eastern Illinois on Saturday afternoon. Tickets are available by calling (931) 372-3940, visiting the Hooper Ebl
