JACKSON, Miss. (Interstat) — A dominant third-quarter surge propelled the Tennessee Tech women’s basketball team to a hard-fought 59-53 victory over Jackson State on Friday night at the Lee Williams Athletic Center.

In a game characterized by defensive pressure and offensive struggles, the Golden Eagles used a 24-point third period to overcome a sluggish first half and remain undefeated on the young season.

Both teams labored offensively from the opening tip. The first half was a low-scoring affair, with Tennessee Tech managing just 17 points and Jackson State holding a narrow 21-17 lead at the break. The Golden Eagles shot a frigid 25% from the floor in the first two quarters.

The complexion of the game changed entirely after halftime. Tennessee Tech found its rhythm, erupting for 24 points in the third quarter while holding the Lady Tigers to 15, turning a four-point deficit into a five-point lead heading into the final period.

Cam Mathews led the Golden Eagles’ charge, finishing with a team-high 16 points and dishing out five assists. Reghan Grimes provided a strong interior presence, scoring 14 points and recording two blocks. Reagan Hurst also reached double figures, contributing 13 points and four assists to the winning effort.

Jackson State was led by Leianya Massenat, who scored a game-high 15 points. Jada Patton came off the bench to provide a spark with eight points.

Despite the win, Tennessee Tech was plagued by 23 turnovers, which Jackson State converted into 24 points. The Lady Tigers, however, were unable to capitalize fully, committing 19 turnovers of their own and struggling profoundly from beyond the arc, making just one of their 13 three-point attempts.

The Golden Eagles compensated for their own shooting woes by getting to the free-throw line, attempting 24 free throws and making 16. Jackson State shot 21 of 60 from the field for 35%, compared to Tennessee Tech’s 19 of 52 for 36.5%. The Lady Tigers dominated points in the paint, 38-20, but it was not enough to overcome their perimeter shooting troubles.

Defensively, Tennessee Tech was active, recording 10 steals and five blocks. LaReesha Cawthorn was a force defensively with three blocks and two steals.

With the victory, Tennessee Tech improves to 2-0. The Golden Eagles will host Middle Tennessee on Tuesday. Jackson State falls to 1-1 and will travel to face Mississippi State on Thursday. An announced crowd of 412 was on hand for the non-conference matchup.