Tennessee Martin's Jasmine Newsome (12) drives against Tennessee Tech's Rachel Glidden (24) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Ohio Valley Conference tournament on Saturday, March 5, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn.
Tennessee Martin's Jasmine Newsome (12) drives against Tennessee Tech's Rachel Glidden (24) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Ohio Valley Conference tournament on Saturday, March 5, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn. Wade Payne, Associated Press

By Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Jasmine Newsome scored 24 points to lead five players in double figures and Tennessee Martin won its first Ohio Valley Conference tournament championship, clinching the Skyhawks' first trip to the NCAA tournament with an 82-76 victory over regular-season champ Tennessee Tech on Saturday.

Now Tennessee Martin (21-10), perhaps best known as Pat Summitt's alma mater, has won its first OVC title in its third time in the championship game. The Skyhawks played for the title in 1998 and 1999.

This was the 19th time for Tennessee Tech (23-7) in this title game, but the Golden Eagles missed a league-best 10th title.

Heather Butler had 21 points for the Skyhawks. Taylor Hall had 13, Alecia Weatherly 11 and Perica Glenn 10.

View Comments

Tacarra Hayes had 33 points for Tennessee Tech, while Molly Heady added 14 and Kylie Cook 11.

Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.