UT Martin’s women’s basketball team faced a tough night in the NCAA Tournament First Four clash against Holy Cross, as they succumbed to a 72-45 defeat at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Despite a valiant effort, the Skyhawks struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 26.2 percent from the field. This loss concludes their season with a 16-17 overall record, marking their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014.
Coach Kevin McMillan acknowledged Holy Cross’s strength, particularly their experienced seniors and well-executed system, which posed challenges for UT Martin. Reflecting on the game, McMillan took responsibility for the team’s performance, expressing a desire for them to have maintained the form they showed in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.
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Anaya Brown led UT Martin with 15 points and six rebounds, supported by Kenley McCarn’s 12 points and Love Mays’ 10 points. Despite the disappointment, McMillan praised his players’ dedication and resilience throughout the season, highlighting their ability to surpass expectations despite various obstacles.
Holy Cross’s Cara McCormack led all scorers with 24 points, while Bronagh Power-Cassidy contributed 15 points to secure the victory for the Crusaders. Despite efforts to rally in the second half, UT Martin couldn’t overcome Holy Cross’s early lead, ultimately falling short in their NCAA Tournament opener.
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