Kenley McCarn/Women's Basketball | University of Tennessee at Martin
Kenley McCarn/Women's Basketball | University of Tennessee at Martin
The University of Tennessee at Martin women's basketball will wrap up its lengthy five game road trip with its Ohio Valley Conference debut against new league foe Little Rock on Thursday, Dec. 29. Tipoff from Simmons Bank Arena is scheduled for 5 p.m.
The Skyhawks (4-7) return to action for the first time in 12 days after a lengthy layoff due to weather and the Christmas holiday. UT Martin has found some success on the team's current five-game road trip by posting a 2-2 record with victories of Vanderbilt and South Dakota.
UT Martin opens OVC play looking to continue its tradition of success. Since the 2010-11 season, the Skyhawks have posted a 161-44 record (78.5 winning percentage) against league foes while claiming six regular season titles and four tournament crowns. This season's conference grind will see a few new stops along the way with the league's 18-game schedule featuring debut seasons for new OVC members Lindenwood, Little Rock and Southern Indiana.
This season's Skyhawk squad has featured contributions from both ends of the roster's spectrum. UT Martin has claimed five OVC Freshman of the Week honors this season from its standout duo of Kenley McCarn (19.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and Sharnecce Currie-Jelks (13.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg). Additionally, graduate guard and All-OVC performer Paige Pipkin ranks as the team's third double-digit scorer with 10.9 points per game.
The coaching matchup features two veterans at the helm with Skyhawk head coach Kevin McMillan boasting a 256-167 record in 14 seasons – including a 169-54 mark in league play. On the other bench, the Trojans are under the direction of head coach Joe Foley who holds a 821-294 overall record in 35 collegiate seasons while going 365-149 in 19 years at Little Rock.
Little Rock wrapped up non-conference play with a 3-8 record following a difficult slate which featured matchups against five Power 5 opponents. The Trojans are led by two-time OVC Freshman of the Week Faith Lee who averages 10.7 points per game while Tia Harvey also sits amongst team leaders with 10.0 points per game.
Thursday's matchup marks the fifth meeting between the two programs with UT Martin holding a 3-1 advantage in the series. The two squads last met during the 2003-04 season with both teams picking up a win on their home court.
The game will not be streamed on ESPN+ because of a facility change after Little Rock's home arena was deemed unplayable. Fans can listen to the game locally with Chris Brinkley bringing you the radio action on WCMT 1410 AM / 100.5 FM or online at www.UTMSports.com. The audio link - plus a link to follow along with live stats - can be found at the top of the webpage.
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