McQueen's 17 points not enough, as Eagles fall to EKU

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MOREHEAD, Ky. - Four Eagles scored in double figures, led by junior guard Brianna McQueen's 17 points, but it was not enough as Morehead State women's basketball fell to Eastern Kentucky, 89-77.

With the loss, MSU's record moves to 9-19 overall and 3-11 in OVC play. EKU improves 15-10 and 9-5 in league play.

"We played aggressively and we stuck to our plan, but we have to give credit to EKU for their shooting performance today," said head coach Greg Todd. "They doubled what they usually make from three and that was difficult for us to overcome. We played hard and challenged their big three scorers, but they just hit shots."

Morehead State led 21-18 after the first quarter and the score was tied at 34-34 with 2:49 left to go in the half. But, EKU outscored the Eagles 7-2 to end the half and opened a 41-36 lead. MSU stayed within striking distance for the majority of the third quarter and trimmed the lead to 59-58 on a jumper by freshman guard Miranda Crocket with two minutes to go in the third quarter. But, the Colonels ended the third quarter on an 8-2 run to extend the lead to 67-60 and the Eagles never threatened in the fourth.

The Eagles recorded 11 steals, led by junior guard Aaliyah Wells and Crockett's three, and shot 20-of-30 from the free throw line, but were outrebounded 51-43. EKU shot 10-of-23 from three-point range. 

McQueen finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Junior forwad Shay Steele added 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting and finished with six rebounds and three assists. Sophomore guard Eriel McKee finished 13 points and was 3-of-4 from three-point range and Crockett finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

EKU's Michaela Hunter finished with a game-high 28 points and was 4-of-7 from three. Shameekia Murray added 21 points and seven rebounds, while Alexus Cooper had 16 points on 4-of-7 shooting from deep.

Morehead State will close out its home schedule against Tennessee State on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. ET.