COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech grabbed the opening six points of the contest and led the entire contest as SIUE fell 89-62 on Thursday afternoon at Hooper Elben Center. The Golden Eagles scored 56 of their 89 points in the paint while shooting 54 percent (17-57) to snap the Cougars’ three game winning streak.
SIUE falls to 6-14 overall and 5-4 in Ohio Valley Conference play. Tennessee Tech improves to 13-6 and 7-2.
“Tennessee Tech shot the ball very well and made things difficult for us the entire game,” Head Coach Samantha Quigley Smith said. “We have to have a little more heart on the defensive end. We have to value our defensive effort.”
The Cougars trailed by 10 points at the conclusion of the first half with three forwards picking up two or more fouls. Tennessee Tech took advantage of the Cougars’ fouls and shot 9-11 from the free throw line. SIUE shot just 31 percent (11-35) in the opening half compared to the Golden Eagles’ 48.
The Golden Eagles would grab the opening six points of the second half before SIUE would go on its best scoring run of the contest, scoring eight consecutive points. However, Tennessee Tech would conclude the third quarter shooting 53 percent and outscored the Cougars 20-12.
Tennessee Tech kept their foot on the gas, outscoring SIUE 31-22 in the final quarter to win the contest by 27 points. The Cougars shot just 12 percent (1-8) in the fourth but managed to knock down 20 of its 23 opportunities at the free throw line.
The Golden Eagles outrebounded the Cougars 44-32 and scored 25 points off fast break opportunities. Tennessee Tech dished out 29 assists, the most against SIUE this season.
The Cougars’ scoring efforts were led by Ajulu Thatha’s 20 points. She shot 5-8 from the floor and 10-11 at the free throw line. Thatha’s outing marked her fifth 20-point game this season. She also led the Cougars with seven rebounds.
KK Rodriguez finished the game with 12 points while adding five rebounds. She was 5-13 from the field and 1-2 at the line. Sophie Lewis added 11 points while going 4-4 at the line.
Tennessee Tech had four score in double-figures, led by Anna Walker with 16. Jada Guinn collected 15 while leading the Golden Eagles with seven rebounds.
SIUE returns to action Saturday at Morehead State. Tipoff is scheduled for noon and will be streamed on ESPN+.
“We have to let this one go and focus on Saturday’s game at Morehead State,” added Smith.