NASHVILLE, TN --The Morehead State women's basketball team took a 59-56 lead into the fourth quarter, but could not hang on and fell 77-73 to the Lipscomb Bisons on the road Tuesday.
The Eagles (0-3) had three players score in double figures, led by Veronica Charles, who had 17 points and six rebounds. Melissa Secchiaroli added 12 points and Katie Novik chipped in as well with 11 points and seven assists.
Morehead State grabbed 41 rebounds in Tuesday's game compared to Lipscomb's 35, led by 11 boards from Blessing King. The Eagles also put in work on the offensive glass, turning 15 offensive rebounds into 12 second chance points.
Morehead State did a great job disrupting Lipscomb shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. Hallie Rhodes' three rejections led the way individually for the Eagles.
How It Happened
Morehead State started out the scoring by going on an 11-0 run, culminating in a three from Valentina Saric, to take an early lead with 5:11 left in the first quarter. The Eagles then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 13-5 advantage. Morehead State relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 13 points.
The Eagles maintained their lead in the game's second frame and entered halftime with a 29-28 edge. Morehead State was strong from deep in the period, knocking down four three-point shots to account for 12 of its 16 points.
Following intermission, Morehead State continued to expand its advantage, pushing it to 49-45 before going on a 6-0 run, punctuated by a three from Jayden Rhodes, to expand its lead further to 55-45 with 2:11 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Bisons had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Eagles still entered the fourth quarter with a 59-56 edge. Morehead State knocked down five three-pointers in the quarter to score 15 of its 30 total points.
Lipscomb proceeded to take a 74-65 lead before Morehead State went on a 6-0 run, finished off by Charles' three, to shrink the deficit to 74-71 with 1:21 to go in the contest. Lipscomb responded and outscored the Eagles the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 77-73. Morehead State fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down two shots to account for six of its 14 points.
Game Notes
» The Eagles shot well from three point range, knocking down 14 of 32 long range attempts.
» Morehead State recorded 16 total assists in the game.
» The Morehead State bench came alive by scoring 24 points to its scoring output.
» Morehead State lost despite a 41-35 rebounding advantage.
» The Eagles were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording five blocks as a team.
» Morehead State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 15 offensive boards in the game.
» Veronica Charles led the Eagles with 17 points.
» Morehead State got a game-high 11 rebounds from Blessing King.
Morehead State returns to Johnson Arena this weekend, as the Eagles host Midway in their home opener.Â
