STRONG SECOND HALF LIFTS SKYHAWKS TO RIVALRY WIN OVER SIUE

Saturday, January 26

Martin, Tenn.

1 p.m.

UT Martin

13-5, 6-2OVC

SIUE

9-9, 4-4OVC

SIUE

UT Martin

STRONG SECOND HALF LIFTS SKYHAWKS TO RIVALRY WIN OVER SIUE

1/26/2019 5:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Boxscore PDF Photo Gallery Postgame Press Conference

MARTIN, Tenn. – After heading into halftime with the score tied, the University of Tennessee at Martin women's basketball team outscored Ohio Valley Conference rival SIUE by 13 in the second half to secure a 68-55 home victory.

The Skyhawks improved to 14-6 in the season and 4-2 in league play with another home victory. In the friendly confines of the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center this season, the Skyhawks have posted a perfect 10-0 mark. A big reason for the Skyhawks success came on the defensive end by forcing SIUE into 21 turnovers while winning the battle of the boards for the second straight outing. Not only would the team score 23 points off the Cougars turnovers, but also 18 second chance points.

Sophomore Chelsey Perry led all scorers with 19 points while falling just short of a double-double with eight points and three blocks. Freshman Kyannah Grant continued her hot play as of late by scoring a 11 points in 16 minutes of action while sophomore Maddie Waldrop chipped in 10 points of her own to round out the Skyhawks in double figures.

"Foul trouble plagued both teams, especially early, but I think our post kids did a great job attacking the glass and on the boards in the first half." UT Martin head coach Kevin McMillan said. "Our young kids pulled away with a pair of freshmen and two sophomores on the floor. It's tough with the young ones because they haven't been through games like this, but any win in the league is a good one."

SIUE dropped its second straight contest to fall to 9-10 on the season and 4-4 in league play. Guard Jay'Nee Alston served as the Cougars lone player in double figures with a team-high 18 points and seven rebounds.

UT Martin will return to action with a pair of games in the Music City, beginning with a road matchup at Tennessee State on Thursday, Jan. 31. Tipoff from the Gentry Center is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.