MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin went toe-to-toe with Ohio Valley Conference rival Eastern Illinois on Thursday night before an offensive rebound and jumper by Macy McGlone with 2.4 seconds to play proved to be the eventual game-winner for the Panthers by a final margin of 72-70.
The Skyhawks (5-9, 2-1 OVC) dropped their first OVC matchup of the season despite overcoming a deficit as large as nine points in the first half. The back-and-forth affair featured a tied margin on 11 occasions and saw seven lead changes down the stretch.
Both teams were hot from the field with the Skyhawks shooting 50 percent from floor for the second consecutive game while the Panthers were close behind at 49 percent. Big field goal numbers came in the paint where both teams combined to score 62 points – including 38 points by the home squad.
UT Martin saw four players reach double figures in the contest with sophomore forward Anaya Brown setting a new career-high with 25 points while narrowly missing out on another double-double with eight rebounds and four steals. Fellow sophomore sharpshooter Josie Storey tossed in a season-high 13 points – knocking down four three-pointers on the way. Meanwhile freshmen Kenley McCarn and Love Mays both chipped in 11 points at the point guard position.
Eastern Illinois (5-10, 2-0 OVC) remained perfect in league play with back-to-back road wins behind the tandem of reining OVC Player of the Week McGlone and Ellie Buzzell who both chipped in 20-point scoring efforts. Along with the game-winner, McGlone recorded yet another double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds while adding three blocks. Buzzelle added 20 points while Miah Monahan rounded out a Panther trio in double figures with 11 points along with nine assists and six rebounds in the victory.
UT Martin will have to wait a week for its next contest before returning home to host new OVC foe Western Illinois on Thursday, Jan. 11. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m.
