UT Martin women’s basketball team took OVC leader Eastern Illinois down to the wire Thursday, but ultimately fell, 51-48, at the Katheleen & Tom Elam Center in Martin.
The Skyhawks fell behind early in the game, but put together a 10-0 run in the frame and led by one at the end of the first quarter, 16-15. In the second, UT Martin expanded its lead and took a 30-25 lead into the locker room at the half.
However, in the second half, the shooting went cold for the Skyhawks, as they scored just six points in the third and 12 in the fourth on 33.3-percent shooting for the half. Despite losing the lead, UT Martin trimmed the lead to only three with 39 second left on a 3-pointer by Lexi Rubel. After a big stop on the defensive end of the ball, the Skyhawks had a look to tie the game at the buzzer on a three by Kenley McCarn. Ultimately, the shot did not fall, allowing the Panthers to remain undefeated in OVC play.
Anaya Brown led the Skyhawks in the game with 13 points and a team-highs of six rebounds and two blocks, while Littleford followed with 11. Kenley McCarn finished the game with eight points and five rebounds, while Rube had seven points, five rebounds and a game-high five assist.
The Skyhawks return to action at the Kathleen & Tom Elam Center Saturday at 1 p.m. when they play host to the Cougars of SIUE. You’ll hear the game on WCMT Talk and News You can Use on 92.7, 96.1, 99.7, 100.5, 103.3 and 1410.
