The UTM Skyhawks were led by three players in double figures as they defeated the Memphis Lady Tigers of Conference USA 69-60, Sunday afternoon at FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.

“Today was a big win for us,” said Skyhawk head coach Tara Tansil. “We played well and Andreika had a good game for us. When she was double and triple teamed she did a great job finding her open teammates.”

The Skyhawks jumped out to an early 9-2 lead in the opening four minutes of the game with the help of two Kim Cox three pointers and a pair of jumpers from Phyllisha Mitchell and Whitney Maxey, prompting the Tigers to call an early timeout.

Coming out of the timeout the Lady Tigers put together a 5-0 run led by freshman Hope Adams, before the Skyhawks were able to answer with another three point shot by Cox. The Lady Tigers continued to fight back, eventually taking the lead and pushing it to 24-18 at the 7:30 mark in the first half.

The Skyhawks regained the lead on a Nicole Rivers three pointer with one minute left in the first half and took a 29-28 advantage into the locker room at halftime. UTM shot only 35 percent in the first half but out rebounded the Lady Tigers 18-15.

The Skyhawks came out in the second half, immediately taking advantage Lady Tiger turnovers in the transition game. Jackson intercepted a pass, taking it coast-to-coast and converting on an old fashioned three-point-play, followed immediately by another Skyhawk steal and a wide open lay up for Crystal Fuller.

The Lady Tigers were able to take the lead back at 45-44 on a jumper by Devin Necaise and pushed it four on a three point basket by Se’erra Fantroy.

A pair of Nicole Holman free throws drew the score even again at 48 all at the 6:21 mark. After an Ashley Thornton basket to give the Lady Tigers the lead again, UTM went on a 12-0 run, putting them ahead to stay and pushing the lead to double digits. Memphis ended its drought on a jumper by Necaise. The Skyhawks finished the game with a nine point advantage and their largest margin of victory this season.

The game featured 14 lead changes and seven ties between the two teams. UTM shot 38 percent from the field and out rebounded the Lady Tigers 36-33.

Jackson finished the night with 17 points and five rebounds. She was joined in the double digit scoring category by Fuller with 14 and Cox with 10. Mitchell finished the afternoon with 11 rebounds.

The Skyhawks will return to action tonight when they travel to Knoxville to take on the No. 4 Tennessee Lady Vols who are led by UTM alum and head coach Pat Head Summitt. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at Thompson-Boling Arena.