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MOREHEAD, Ky. – The Morehead State Women's Basketball team is set for its annual Pink Game on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. ET when it hosts Ohio Valley Conference foe, Belmont, at Johnson Arena.
 
The Pink Game is in conjunction with the #Play4Kay effort to unite players, coaches, officials, and fans in honoring survivors in the fight against cancers affected women. The Eagles encourage fans attending the game to sport pink attire.
 
MORE INFO ON #PLAY4KAY & KAY YOW CANCER FUND
 
During the game, Morehead State will recognize community member Barbra Niemeyer who is a survivor of breast cancer. Niemeyer, a retired professor from MSU's College of Education, has been a loyal supporter of Morehead State Athletics for over 30 years. Along with her husband Rocky, Niemeyer has not missed a game at Johnson Arena in 19 seasons.
 
"Barb's support means so much to me and my teammates," said senior forward Jaleesa Avery. "She's an inspiration to us and a true testament through her battle with breast cancer than any opponent can be defeated. Always having her in the stands and cheering us on makes gamedays at home special."
    THE MATCHUP & MORE
 
Morehead State (Game Notes)
    Overall Record: 9-17
    OVC Record: 5-9 (T-8^th)
Head Coach
    Greg Todd (Eastern Kentucky, 1984)
    Career Record: 254-151 (14^th season)
    Record at MSU: 97-87 (6^th season)
Statistical Leaders
    Points Per Game: Breuna Jackson, 10.7
    Rebounds Per Game: Ariel Kirkwood, 8.7
    Assists Per Game: Ariel Kirkwood, 2.5
    Steals Per Game: Tomiyah Alford, 1.8
    Blocks Per Game: Ariel Kirkwood, 2.7
 
Belmont (Game Notes (PDF))
    Overall Record: 17-8
    OVC Record: 12-2 (T-1^st)
Head Coach
    Bart Brooks (Wyoming, 2004)
    Career Record: 74-19 (3^rd season)
    Record at BEL: Same
Statistical Leaders
    Points Per Game: Ellie Harmeyer, 18.6
    Rebounds Per Game: Ellie Harmeyer, 11.8
    Assists Per Game: Jamilyn Kinney, 4.4
    Steals Per Game: Jamilyn Kinner, 1.4
    Blocks Per Game: Maddie Wright, 0.7
 
 SERIES HISTORY

• Morehead State trails the all-time series vs. Belmont, 16-3.
• The Bruins have won 10-straight games in the series
• Morehead State's last win vs. Belmont came on Feb. 4, 2014, in Morehead, 66-55. 

WE MEET AGAIN
 Morehead State and Belmont are set to meet for the second time this season after the Bruins topped the Eagles 71-62 on Jan. 18 at the Curb Event Center in Nashville, Tenn. Despite never leading the game, Morehead State stayed within striking distance throughout the contest thanks to a 12-point, 19-rebound double-double performance from senior forward Orlandra Humphries and an 18-point outing from junior guard Jazzmym Elston. Belmont's efforts were headed up by sophomore guard Conley Chinn who went 4-of-5 from three-point range and led three Bruins in double-figures with 17 points.  
KIRKWOOD CONTINUES PHENOMENAL FRESHMAN CAMPAIGN
For the second consecutive week, guard Ariel Kirkwood was named Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Week. The OVC announced the honor on Tuesday morning after the six-foot guard distinguished herself from other league rookies during the previous week by posting back-to-back double-doubles in games against Eastern Kentucky and Murray State. For the week, Kirkwood averaged 11.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 blocks, and 2.0 assists. Kirkwood has now won three OVC Freshman of the Week honors during the 2019-20 season.  
OVC CRUNCH TIME
For both Morehead State and Belmont, every game remaining on its schedule is an important one as both teams eye the 2020 OVC Championship Tournament in Evansville, Ind. The Bruins are currently locked in a three-way tie for the league's top spot with UT Martin and Southeast Missouri. Finishing first would give the Bruins their fourth consecutive OVC regular-season championship as well as an important day of rest between the first round and semi-final round of the tournament. The Eagles remaining games are arguably more important as the team tries to secure the eighth position in the standings and give themselves a fourth consecutive berth in league's tournament. Currently, Morehead State is in a three-way tie with Eastern Kentucky and Murray State. The Eagles and Colonels will meet in the 2020 season finale in Richmond on Feb. 29.
 
OVC STANDINGS | OVC WEEKLY RELEASE (PDF)

Thursday's Morehead State Women's Basketball game is presented by Buffalo Wild Wings