Women's Basketball Hosts Wilberforce in Thursday's Home Opener

GAME NOTES | SCHEDULE PAGE (LINKS TO LIVE STATS, VIDEO, AUDIO)

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- After an impressive showing at Illinois on Tuesday, the Morehead State women's basketball team returns to Johnson Arena for the first time since February 25th for its home opener, as the Eagles host the Bulldogs of Wilberforce University (OH). 

Both new Eagles and returners contributed in big ways for Morehead State against the No. 23 team in the country on the road, and head coach Cayla Petree and staff are looking for their team to build momentum heading into another tough road contest at Alabama this weekend. 

Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM at Johnson Arena. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+, with Jared Stacy on play-by-play and Dean Hardin as the analyst. Home radio can be found on 96.3 WIVY -- the Eagle Sports Network -- with Tom Lewis and Wes Holland calling the action. Live stats will be available as well. 

2023-24 RECORDS

• Morehead State (0-1, 0-0 OVC)
• Wilberforce (1-3, 0-0 CAC)

INSIDE THE SERIES

• Morehead State has never played Wilberforce. 

NOTABLE

• Morehead State were dominant on the glass on Tuesday night at the State Farm Center, outrebounding Illinois 36-32. MSU pulled down 15 offensive rebounds. 
• Sophomore forward Valentina Saric set a new career high in rebounds with six vs. the Fighting Illini, three of those being on the offensive end. 
• Katie Novik impressed in her Eagle debut, posting nine points, five rebounds, and five assists while going 4-5 from the field (1-1 from three-point land). The freshman guard from Belarus played 25 minutes -- third most on the team. 
• Senior guard Veronica Charles kickstarted her defense of the OVC Defensive Player of the Year title with three steals on Tuesday. Charles also posted 16 points, three boards, and three assists. 
• Blessing King provided a spark off the bench for Morehead State in her debut. King went 4-4 from the field, posting eight points and four rebounds. 
• Paris McBride finally made her debut for Morehead State as well after missing all of last season with injury. McBride had four points on four shots with two rebounds and the Eagles' lone block of the game. 
• Hallie & Jayden Rhodes both played significant minutes for MSU vs. Illinois, combining for nine points and five rebounds.