OVC play starts with heartbreaking loss to Murray State

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MURRAY, Ky.—The start of the Ohio Valley Conference schedule finished in nailbiting fashion with the Morehead State women's basketball team falling on the road against Murray State, 83-79, at the CFSB Center on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Eagles led for 33 minutes of action, including a 40-35 halftime cushion, but the fourth quarter went in favor of the Racers who outscored the Eagles 28-16 in the closing 10 minutes.
 
"We didn't execute as well in the final quarter as we needed to, and we have to give them credit," said Head Coach Greg Todd. "They forced turnovers and hit some big shots." 

Murray State sophomore forward Ke'shunan James played a pivotal role in the final quarter, scoring 13 of her game-high 32 points. James went 10-for-15 from the floor, including 5-of-7 three-point baskets, and finished with a double-double, snatching 12 boards.
 
The Eagles had five players in the double-digit scoring category. Sophomore forward Eriel Mckee had a team-high 14 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Junior guard KayK Tate and sophomore forward Brooke Todd contributed off the bench. Tate added 11 points, along with three rebounds, while Todd went a perfect 4-for-4 from the perimeter with 10 points and collected six rebounds. Junior guard Aaliyah Wells wrapped up the night with 13 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while junior forward Shay Steele chipped in 10 tallies.

Murray State nailed 11 three-pointers, while Morehead State connected on eight buckets from beyond the arc.

Southeast Missouri is next for the Eagles. Tipoff at Johnson Arena is set for Thursday evening, and the game will be the second of a doubleheader with an 8:15 p.m. ET start time.