Featured image: The UT Martin Skyhawks bench erupts in celebration after a made three by unknown player on Jan. 29, 2026, in Charleston, Illinois at Groniger Arena (Photo Credit/UTM Athletics)
The University of Tennessee at Martin, Skyhawks, women’s basketball team won its fourth game straight after a dominant performance over Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) opponent the Eastern Illinois Panthers.
To begin the first quarter, the Skyhawks allowed the Panthers to score the first basket of the game. The Skyhawks followed the basket from the Panthers with a three and never gave up their lead. The three from junior guard Brittani Wells set the tone early for the Skyhawks, and led to Wells leading her team to victory with 16 points on the night.
During the second, the Skyhawks were outscored 13-12 but continued holding that lead, despite a rough shooting percentage of 33.3%. The score at half, 27-22 Skyhawks.
The third is when the Skyhawks took control. Despite being out rebounded 8-4, UT Martin put on an impressive defensive outing and allowed just 11 points and put up 21 of their own. After the third, the Skyhawks already held a double-digit lead of 48-33.
To round out the fourth, UT Martin yet again outscored Eastern Illinois and walked away with a solidified double-digit lead and won 62-46.
Along with Wells leading the way, redshirt junior guard Kenley McCarn collected a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds, while freshman forward Cam Ward tacked on 12 points of her own. It was also a big night for junior forward Norah Clark who dished out seven assists.
So far on the season, McCarn leads the team in scoring–averaging 16.7 points per game and also 5.2 rebounds per game. Though the rebound leader is sophomore forward Zy Thompson, averaging 6.0 rebounds per game.
Next the Skyhawks take on the OVC number one, Western Illinois Leathernecks on Jan. 31, 2026, in Macomb, Illinois at Western Hall. The Leathernecks are unbeaten at home and hold a record of 17-3 and 10-0 at home. Here the Skyhawks look to win their fifth straight before returning home.
