McKee's career day not enough, as Women's Hoops falls 86-72

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MOREHEAD, Ky.— In a highly-contested, physical matchup, Morehead State women's basketball team fell to USC Upstate, 86-72, Monday afternoon at Johnson Arena.

The Education Day game was witnessed by more than 3,000 fans, including nearly every elementary school in the area. The Spartans improved to 6-5, while the Eagles slipped to 4-7.
 
With 7:53 left to play in regulation, MSU held a 64-59 lead. But USC Upstate proceeded to go on an 18-2 run, quickly changing the dynamic to a 77-66 lead for the visitors. MSU brought the game back to single digits in the closing two minutes (80-72), but the Spartans used five free throws in the final 40 seconds to pull away.
 
"We knew this was going to be a tough matchup for us because of their athleticism," said Head Coach Greg Todd. "They did a good job of extending us and exposing us, their pressure forced turnovers and we committed too many turnovers to win."
 
The Spartans' defense, and play of senior post player Brittany Starling, kept the MSU attack at bay during the contest. Against a half-court trap defense, the Eagles committed 34 turnovers, including 20 mistakes in the first half. Starling recorded her sixth double-double in 11 games, collecting 26 points and grabbing 19 rebounds.
 
Sophomore forward Eriel McKee recorded a career high 24 points, while snatching 11 rebounds, for her third double-double of the season. Junior forward Shay Steele added another double-double, her second of the year, with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Coming off the bench, sophomore forward Brooke Todd recorded her career high in points with 10, swiped five rebounds, and blocked three shots.
 
With only three non-conference games remaining, MSU will be back in action Saturday at Johnson Arena when they welcome Kennesaw State for a noon tip off.