Alexander 3-pointer gives Tech upset victory over Eastern Kentucky, 67-65

By TTU Sports Information

March 05, 2003

In first round OVC tournament action, the Golden Eaglettes knocked off #3 seed Eastern Kentucky 67-65 as point guard Tynisha Alexander sank a three-pointer with two seconds remaining and the Lady Colonels missed a layup at the buzzer. The victory avenged two nine-point losses to EKU (18-11) this season.

The Eaglettes avoided the game-opening runs that EKU rode to their victories and kept the game close from buzzer to buzzer. Tech took a 33-31 lead into the locker room at halftime and then played EKU even over the second half. For the game, there were 13 lead changes and 15 ties.

Although the Eaglettes committed 33 turnovers, they held the Lady Colonels to 38% shooting in each half and forced 20 turnovers. The Eaglettes shot a season-high 58% from the field and were 20 of 26 from the free-throw line. EKU only attempted eight free throws. Emily Christian led the offensive attack with 22 points, upping her league-leading season total to 495. Alexander's game-winning shot gave her 15 points for the game. Jenna Baltimore led the team with seven assist and added eight points, hitting six of eight free throws.

Coming off the bench, senior Jennifer Simpson forced four steals, including two key grabs down the stretch, and grabbed eight defensive rebounds, reinforcing her number two conference ranking in this area. EKU was led by Katie Kelly with 23 points and was joined in double figures by Miranda Eckerle and Teresa McNair, each with 10 points. McNair, the all-time conference steals leader, swiped nine balls in the game, helping her national ranking. She also had a team-leading nine rebounds as EKU outrebounded the Golden Eaglettes 33-32.

With the win, the Eaglettes (12-16) secured their perennial OVC semifinal berth against #2 seed Southeast Missouri at 2:00pm on Friday in Nashville.

OVC Women's Basketball Tournament Bracket - pdf file