MOREHEAD, KY --The Morehead State women's basketball team busted open a 36-36 tie to end the third quarter and defeated the Wheeling Cardinals 53-49, helped by an impressive defensive showing at home Monday.
The Eagles (4-5) had three players score in double figures, led by Katie Novik, who had 14 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Hallie Rhodes added 13 points and two steals off the bench and Veronica Charles chipped in as well with 10 points and two steals.
Morehead State out-rebounded Wheeling 44-36 in Monday's game, paced by Blessing King's season-high 15 boards. The Eagles also grabbed 22 offensive rebounds and scored 17 second chance points.
Morehead State forced 18 Wheeling turnovers while committing 14 themselves in Monday's game. The Eagles turned those takeaways into 15 points on the offensive end of the floor. Novik's two steals led the way for Morehead State.
How It Happened
After falling behind 6-2, Morehead State went on a 13-0 run with 6:33 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Melissa Secchiaroli, to take a 15-6 lead. The Eagles then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 17-10 advantage. Morehead State did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 12 of its 17 points close to the basket.
The Eagles maintained their lead in the game's second frame and entered halftime with a 27-24 edge. Morehead State dominated in the paint, scoring six of its 10 points close to the basket.
The Eagles had lost that lead by the end of the third quarter and entered the fourth frame with the score tied 36-36. Morehead State turned 10 offensive rebounds into four second chance points on the way to scoring nine total points in the quarter.
Morehead State then broke the tie in the game's final frame, outscoring Wheeling Jesuit 17-13 and taking control for good on a Rhodes layup with 00:31 left to seize victory by the 53-49 final score. Morehead State took advantage of four Wheeling turnovers in the quarter, scoring seven points off of those takeaways.
Game Notes
» The Eagles outscored Wheeling 13-17 in the fourth quarter to break a 36-36 third quarter tie.
» The Eagles held the Cardinals to only 34.6 percent shooting from the field.
» Morehead State had a stellar day defensively, holding Wheeling to 12 percent from beyond the arc on 17 attempts.
» The Morehead State bench came alive by adding 16 points to its scoring output.
» Morehead State had a 44-36 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Morehead State defense forced 18 turnovers.
» Morehead State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 22 offensive boards in the game.
» Katie Novik led the Eagles with 14 points.
» Morehead State got a game-high 15 rebounds from Blessing King.
Morehead State has a quick turnaround ahead, with Tuesday off before a tough Power 5 road trip at 18th ranked Louisville.Â
