MARTIN, Tenn. (Interstat) — In a tightly contested Ohio Valley Conference rematch defined by defensive pressure and crucial late-game execution, the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks avenged an earlier loss by holding off the Morehead State Eagles 64-58 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at Skyhawk Arena.

The victory, witnessed by 1,289 fans, improved Tennessee-Martin to 12-10 overall, while Morehead State fell to 15-10. The game played out as a stark contrast to the teams’ first meeting on Jan. 8, a 67-49 Morehead State rout.

The most important part of the game arrived in the final three minutes, as Tennessee-Martin executed a decisive 5-0 run to break a 59-59 tie and seize control for good. With the score knotted, Skyhawks guard Zakheria Thompson, known as Zy, drove the lane and converted a layup off an assist from Camden Ward with 2:54 remaining. After a Morehead State miss, Thompson struck again, driving for another layup to push the lead to 63-59 with 2:41 left.

Morehead State, which had battled back from a nine-point third-quarter deficit, could not answer. The Eagles missed their final four field goal attempts, including a blocked three-pointer by Violet McNece in the closing seconds, and committed two costly turnovers in the final minute. Ward sealed the outcome by making one of two free throws with eight seconds left for the final margin.

The game was a defensive struggle throughout, with both teams forcing turnovers and contesting shots. Tennessee-Martin’s superior efficiency proved the difference. The Skyhawks shot 52.1% from the field and a blistering 55.6% from three-point range, making 10 of 18 attempts. Morehead State, by contrast, managed only 38% shooting overall and was hampered by 16 turnovers.

Kenley McCarn led all scorers with 20 points for Tennessee-Martin, adding four rebounds and three assists. Brittani Wells provided 17 points and four rebounds, while Thompson filled the stat sheet with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a game-high five steals, her defensive energy pivotal throughout.

Morehead State was led by Violet McNece’s 18 points, including four three-pointers. Laura Toffali contributed 15 points, six rebounds and three assists, and Kate Dike posted a strong line of 13 points and eight rebounds before fouling out late.

The Skyhawks built their lead in the middle quarters, using a 19-point third period to take a 50-44 advantage into the final frame. Morehead State’s 18-point third quarter kept them within striking distance, setting the stage for the tense fourth-quarter finish where Tennessee-Martin’s clutch plays from Thompson and McCarn, who hit a key jumper with 3:57 left, made the difference.

Interstat’s ELO system had projected Tennessee-Martin as a 63.9% favorite. The Skyhawks validated that projection by outperforming the Eagles in key efficiency metrics, posting an offensive rating of 98.7 on 65 possessions compared to Morehead State’s 87.0 on 67 possessions.

The win gives Tennessee-Martin momentum heading into a road trip next week at Lindenwood and SIU Edwardsville. Morehead State looks to rebound at home against Tennessee Tech and Tennessee State.