UT Martin junior guard Kenley McCarn (44) defends against the Fisk Bulldogs on Nov. 16, 2025 at the Kathleen & Tom Elam Center in Martin, Tenn. (Chloe Kent)

The UT Martin Skyhawks defeated the Fisk Bulldogs 79-39 at home on Sunday to get their first win of the season. 

UT Martin started the game on a 34-2 run; they took full control and would not let go for the rest of the game.  

The leader of that charge was sophomore forward Zy Thompson, who put up eight points in the first quarter—finishing with 19 on perfect shooting.  

Thompson’s presence in the paint could not be overstated for the UT Martin offense and will be an integral part of the team’s success going forward.

“If we’re gonna be good, it’s gonna take a post presence and, right now, Zy is the only one that’s stepped forward and wanted that role,” Skyhawk women’s basketball coach Kevin McMillan said postgame. “She has ability, but, right now, we need somebody else to help her.” 

Another standout player includes junior guard Kenly McCarn, who had her hands on every part of this game with 12 points, six assists and three rebounds. 

Both teams attempted to press against each other throughout the game, but UT Martin was far and away more successful. Of their 79 points, 38 came off of the 27 forced turnovers. Meanwhile, Fisk totaled just ten points out of 20 turnovers. 

Despite the blowout, UT Martin still played and were coached hard. McMillan and his staff would get upset at missed rotations or bad mistakes—even though the team was up 40. It is all part of generating improvement. 

“That’s hard when you’re a young team because…you’re playing your opponent, and you don’t play to your standard,” McMillan said. “So hopefully they’re gonna take this and learn from it, and next time we do it, that’ll be a little bit better.” 

Next, 1-2 UT Martin travels to Albuquerque, New Mexico to take on the 4-1 New Mexico Lobos on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 8 p.m.