3/15/2006 - WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Belmont Suffers WNIT Heartbreaker At Tennessee Tech

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Cookeville, Tenn. -- Belmont came out of the gate hot, going on a 10-0 run before eventually falling to Tennessee Tech, 55-56, in the preliminary round of the WNIT at Eblen Hooper Arena.

In its first WNIT appearance in 27 years, Belmont shot 40 percent from the floor as opposed to Tennessee Tech's 35.8 percent. But free throw shooting was the story down the stretch. TTU connected on 15-of-28, while Belmont only made 8-of-12.

The Bruins led the entire second half until Jana Reece sank two free throws with 2:33 remaining and Marissa Hensley followed with a jumper to put the Golden Eaglettes up 52-54. Destri Bockey hit an energizing three to take the 55-54 lead with 1:44 left, but a foul sent Reece to the line again as she helped TTU take the 56-55 advantage. On an inbounds play, Tonisha Jones drove through the lane with just eight seconds left and narrowly missed what would have been the winning layup.

Senior Jenny Conkle scored the first eight points of the game, connecting on back-to-back treys in the opening minutes. She finished with 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting. Jones and Bockey also lit up from beyond the arc in the first half. Atlantic Sun Player and Freshman of the Year Alysha Clark scored a game high 17 points and nine rebounds.

Tennessee Tech had four players score double-digits in the victory. OVC Player of the Year Emily Christian scored a team high 13 points for the Golden Eaglettes before fouling out late in the second half. TTU will advance to the first round to take on Western Kentucky.