ALGOOD, Tenn. (Interstat) — A dominant third-quarter surge propelled the Tennessee Tech women’s basketball team to a decisive 74-62 victory over Ohio Valley Conference rival Tennessee-Martin on Saturday at Eblen Center.

The Golden Eagles, improving to 9-1 overall, trailed 33-28 at halftime but erupted for 23 points in the third period while holding the Skyhawks to just 10. That 15-point swing transformed a five-point deficit into a 51-43 lead entering the final quarter, a margin Tennessee Tech would not relinquish.

Tennessee Tech’s offense found its rhythm after a sluggish first half, fueled by efficient three-point shooting and a commanding advantage on the offensive glass. The Golden Eagles connected on 11 of 25 attempts from beyond the arc, a 44% clip, while Tennessee-Martin struggled, making only 3 of 17. The rebounding disparity was even more stark, with Tennessee Tech grabbing 15 offensive rebounds compared to just two for the Skyhawks, leading to numerous second-chance opportunities.

Reghan Grimes and Cam Mathews led the balanced Tennessee Tech attack, each scoring 19 points. Grimes, a guard from Nashville, added five assists, while Mathews contributed two assists. Chloe Larry of Bossier City, Louisiana, provided crucial support with 14 points and four assists. The Golden Eagles’ offensive efficiency was evident as they scored 74 points on 68 possessions, an offensive rating of 109.3.

Tennessee-Martin, which fell to 4-6, was carried by the scoring of Sidni Middleton. The guard from Vilonia, Arkansas, poured in a game-high 25 points in 35 minutes. Kenley McCarn of Melbourne, Arkansas, added 16 points. The Skyhawks were efficient from the free-throw line, making all nine of their attempts, but could not overcome their cold shooting from deep and their difficulties securing defensive rebounds.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair. Tennessee-Martin built an early lead, ending the first quarter up 15-18. The Skyhawks extended that advantage in the second quarter, taking their largest lead at five points into the break, thanks largely to Middleton’s 13 first-half points.

The game’s complexion changed entirely after halftime. Tennessee Tech opened the third quarter with increased defensive pressure and sharper ball movement. A 10-2 run to start the period, capped by a LaReesha Cawthorn three-pointer, gave the Golden Eagles their first lead since the opening minutes. The run continued, with Grimes and Mathews hitting key shots. By the time the quarter ended on a Reghan Grimes three-pointer, the momentum had firmly and decisively shifted to the home team.

Tennessee-Martin attempted to rally in the fourth quarter, closing to within six points on a Kenley McCarn jumper with 5:45 remaining. Each time the Skyhawks threatened, however, Tennessee Tech answered. A driving layup by Cawthorn and a critical three-pointer from Larry on the next possession pushed the lead back to 11 with just over three minutes to play, effectively sealing the outcome.

Beyond the scoring, Tennessee Tech’s defensive effort was key. The Golden Eagles forced 10 turnovers and blocked three shots, with Cawthorn recording three blocks. Tennessee-Martin’s Brittani Wells of Lakeland, Tennessee, facilitated the offense with six assists but the Skyhawks managed only six assists as a team on 25 made field goals.

The announced attendance was 663. The victory solidifies Tennessee Tech’s strong start to the season as they head into the bulk of their conference schedule. The Golden Eagles are next scheduled to host Tennessee State on Tuesday. Tennessee-Martin will look to rebound when they host Western Illinois on New Year’s Day.

The most pivotal segment of the game was unquestionably the first eight minutes of the third quarter. Trailing by five, Tennessee Tech emerged from halftime with a transformed energy, executing a 21-8 run that flipped the scoreboard and established control. This stretch featured stifling defense that limited Tennessee-Martin to one-and-done possessions and ignited Tennessee Tech’s transition game, while their shooters, particularly Grimes and Mathews, found their range. This concentrated burst of both offensive efficiency and defensive intensity defined the contest, providing the Golden Eagles with a cushion that the Skyhawks could never overcome.