September 3, 2012

Golden Eagle women's basketball schedule for 2012-13 announced

Tennessee Tech basketball coach Jim Davis has unveiled what is in store for the 2012-13 Golden Eagles, announcing the team's schedule.

Click here to view the complete 2012-13 schedule

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech women's basketball coach Jim Davis has unveiled the team's 2012-13 schedule, which features five postseason qualifiers from last season including four NCAA tournament participants. The team gets into action with an exhibition game in early November.

Tech is sheduled to face several top teams from primetime conferences such as the SEC, the Big East and the Pac 12. The Golden Eagles will take on perennial titans like Vanderbilt, UCLA and St. John's. Tech, also one of the most storied women's basketball programs in NCAA history, is ready to take back its place as one of the top tier teams with a new team motto: "Respect all, but fear none."

The non-conference slate is highlighted by a tournament in New York City at the St. John's Chartwell's Holiday Classic, December 15-16.

"This is going to be a great experience, but the purpose of going there is to win some basketball games," said the new head coach. "We're going to face formidable opponents. St. John's will probably be a Top 10 basketball team."

After an exhibition against Lee University on Nov. 5, the Golden Eagles open the regular season with a six-game homestand, beginning against Tennessee Wesleyan in a November 10 doubleheader with the TTU men's basketball team.

"Kicking off the season with such a great home stretch is vital to helping our team grow," Davis said. "One of our goals is to defend the home court and then steal some on the road."

Returning Eblen Center to one of the most feared gyms in the conference is high on Davis' list. He recalls visiting Tech as an opponent, and remembering how much the tense atmosphere affected his players. According to Davis, four or five thousand screaming fans can make all the difference in a tight game.

"It's a love affair between the fans, especially the students. I expect to see faces painted, signs made. I want the students to fall in love with Tech basketball," he said.

Tech hits the road for the first time Dec. 1 when the Golden Eagles travel down I-40 to Nashville to face Vanderbilt. Tech then takes on Samford at home before a six-game road trip over the holidays.

OVC conference action kicks off at Jacksonville State, Dec. 29. The OVC will be formatted differently with two-divisions, with Tech competing in the East Division.

"All games are important, but the Ohio Valley Conference has always been very competitive and I expect this year to be no different," Davis said. "I expect us to be at the top of the heap. A regular season championship is very difficult, but when those lights are on in the gym, you better be ready to play, and you better believe we'll be ready."

For season ticket information, please contact the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center or call (931) 372-3940.