HTML STATS | PDF STATS | ARCHIVED BROADCAST
MOREHEAD, Ky. – Visiting Tennessee State used a 16-2 second-half run to distance itself from the host Morehead State women’s basketball team and win 68-56 in an Ohio Valley Conference game at Johnson Arena Saturday night.
The Tigers moved to 8-10 overall and 4-3 in the league, while the Eagles slipped to 7-14 overall and 3-4 in the conference’s East division.
MSU sophomore forward Mackenzie Arledge converted a layup to give her team a 36-35 lead with 16:22 remaining, but the visitors scored 16 of the next 18 before MSU’s Allie Turner knocked down a three-pointer at the 10:18 mark. MSU missed five field goals and turned the ball over three times during TSU’s run.
The Eagles hit 40 percent in the first half but converted just 29 percent (8-of-28) in the final 20 minutes. TSU was more consistent, hitting 42 percent in each stanza. The Tigers also held a 20-9 advantage in points at the free throw line.
“We’ve got to hit layups and hit three-pointers,” Head Coach Tom Hodges said. “We got great drives to the basket and open looks, and we just didn’t convert very many tonight. That’s a huge reason why TSU got out of here with a win.”
Each team grabbed as much as a five-point advantage in the opening half before settling for a 30-30 tie at the break, but the Tigers outscored the Eagles 38-26 in the second period.
TSU’s Kesi Hess nailed a trio of three-pointers and led her team with 21 points. Simone Hopes registered 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Avery Jones also reached the double digit column with 14 points.
Four Eagles scored in double figures, led by Turner with 15 – her fourth straight double-figure effort – and Almesha Jones with 15 as well. Jones handed out a team-high six assists. Terrice Robinson put in 12 points, her ninth straight double-figure game, and Arledge notched 10.
Sophomore forward Casey Ryans tied her career-high with 11 rebounds, but the Tigers won the board battle, 42-33
Morehead State remains home Monday to face Belmont at 6 p.m. ET. Live stats, audio and video links will be available via MSUEagles.com.
