Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky’s women’s basketball team lost 84-61 to visiting Tennessee-Martin on Saturday at McBrayer Arena.  The Skyhawks shot 51 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range in the win.

Heather Butler led UT Martin (10-8, 4-1 OVC) with 29 points.  The sophomore made 7-of-10 shots from behind the three-point arc and was 10-for-17 from the field.  Jasmine Newsome added 16 points and seven rebounds. 

Jade Barber scored a career-best 24 points on 10-for-12 shooting and a grabbed a game-best 10 rebounds for the Lady Colonels (9-9, 5-3 OVC).  It was her fifth double-double of the season.  Her previous career scoring high was 17 points against Kentucky Christian.

With EKU down by three, 14-11, midway through the first half, the Skyhawks scored 12 unanswered to key a 15-3 run.  Seven of UTM’s points during the run came off offensive rebounds.  A three-pointer by Butler capped the run and gave the visitors a 29-14 lead with 6:50 remaining in the first half. 

Tennessee-Martin led by 13, 39-26, at halftime after shooting 50 percent from the field and 43 percent (6-for-14) from three-point range.

From the 9:05 mark of the first half, UT Martin led by double digits for all but 17 seconds. 

A lay-up by Perica Glenn gave the Skyhawks a 24-point lead, 66-42, with 10:04 left in the game.  UTM took its largest lead of 26 points on a three-pointer by Jaclissa Haislip with 2:04 remaining.

Tennessee-Martin made 13-of-28 attempts from three-point range, out-rebounded Eastern by three and committed five fewer turnovers.  EKU shot 48 percent in the second half and 44 percent for the game.

The Lady Colonels will step out of conference play on Wednesday to host Longwood University.  Tip-off at McBrayer Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m.