Offensive Struggles Plague Eagles in Sunday Matinee

BOX SCORE

JOHNSON CITY, TN --The Morehead State women's basketball team got a 28-point performance from the bench, but fell 54-35 to the East Tennessee State Buccaneers on the road Sunday.

Sophie Benharouga led the Eagles with nine points, closely followed by Aina Subirats, who posted a career-high eight points, including two baskets from beyond the arc. Erola Aliberch tacked on five points off of the bench and Hallie Rhodes helped out with three points.

Tolisha Walker pulled down two offensive rebounds to lead an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Morehead State, grabbing 11 boards and turning them into 11 second chance points.

Morehead State's defense held East Tennessee State to only 38.3 percent shooting from the field, including 26.1 percent from beyond the arc.

The Eagles return to Johnson Arena Tuesday for their home opener against Spalding (Ky). Tip-off is slated for 5:00 PM and can be found on ESPN+ or listened to on the Eagle Sports Radio Network. 

How It Happened

Morehead State struggled out of the gate, shooting only 20 percent in the first quarter, while allowing 21 rebounds. 

East Tennessee State kept adding to their lead, building a 24-12 advantage before Morehead State went on a 5-0 run, highlighted by a three from Aliberch, to narrow its deficit to 24-17. East Tennessee State responded and expanded its lead, leaving the Eagles trailing 29-19 heading into halftime.

East Tennessee State continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 35-22 advantage before Morehead State went on a 7-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Aina Subirats, to trim its deficit to 35-29 with 1:32 to go in the third. East Tennessee State countered and stretched its lead to 40-29 heading into the fourth. Morehead State knocked down two three-pointers in the quarter to score six of its 10 total points.

Morehead State could not pull any closer in the fourth, losing by a final of 54-35. Morehead State fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down one shot to account for three of its six points.

Game Notes
» The Morehead State defense forced 16 turnovers, leading to 13 points. 
» Morehead State got a team-high four rebounds from Veronica Charles.