CHARLESTON, Ill. – Playing in its second overtime in as many games, the Morehead State Women's Basketball team suffered a 67-62 setback at Eastern Illinois on Saturday afternoon at Lantz Arena.
Facing a six-point deficit entering the fourth quarter, guard
Jazzmyn Elston sparked the Eagles' offense as she tallied nine points in the quarter. The junior gave Morehead State a two-point lead at 55-53 on a pull-up jumper with 50 seconds remaining, but the Panther managed to tie it on a layup by Lariah Washington 14 seconds later.
As the clock ticked down under 10 seconds, Morehead State freshman guard
Ariel Kirkwood had a pass stolen away but the Panthers were unable to capitalize as Washington saw a protentional game-winner miss the mark and force overtime.
In the extra period, Eastern Illinois scored the first four points before Elston nailed a jumper with 2:50 remaining making it 59-57. EIU's Karle Pace answered with a triple but Elston came straight back with one of her own off a feed from senior
Breuna Jackson.
Unfortunately for MSU, Elston's triple with 2:15 remaining in overtime began a 1:33 scoreless drought, allowing the Panthers to escape with the victory.
Elston scored 14 points in the game – all coming in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Noteably in the game, Morehead State held Eastern Illinois without a single point in the second quarter. The Eagles held the Panthers to a 0-of-15 shooting period to achieve the first-ever quarter shutout in OVC history during a league game and the first-ever quarter shutout in program history.
Overall in the game, Morehead State made 25-of-61 (.410) shots from the field while EIU finished 24-of-72 (.333). Despite few makes, the Panthers difference maker proved to be the three-point are where they sank 10-of-30 (.333). attempts.
Eastern Illinois scoring efforts were led by guard Karle Pace with 25 points. The win improved the Panthers to 14-9 overall and 8-4 in OVC play during the 2019-20 season.
Moreehad State dropped to 9-15 overall and 5-7 in leagues play despite Kirkwood scoring 15 points and
Ellie Jo Johnson achieving double-figures for the third consecutive game with 13 points.
Next up, Morehead State plays host to in-state rival Eastern Kentucky at Johnson Arena on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. ET.
