MOREHEAD, KY --The Morehead State women's basketball team went into the fourth quarter tied 47-47 with Western Illinois, but could not take control and fell 65-59 to the Leathernecks at home Saturday.
The Eagles (10-9, 5-3 OVC) had three players score in double figures, led by Veronica Charles, who had 17 points and two steals. Katie Novik tacked on 16 points, five assists, two steals and four blocks and Hallie Rhodes chipped in as well with 10 points and three blocks.
The Morehead State offense was very productive from downtown, knocking down eight threes, with Novik as the most prolific shooter for the Eagles, draining three treys in the contest.
Morehead State did a great job disrupting Western Illinois shots in the contest, coming away with eight blocks. Novik's four rejections led the way individually for the Eagles.
Blessing King's 17 rebounds marked a season-high for any Eagle.
How It Happened
Morehead State entered the second quarter tied at 13-13 after a tightly contested first period. Morehead State capitalized on three Western Illinois turnovers in the period, turning them into four points on the other end of the floor.
Western Illinois then took a 24-21 lead before Morehead State responding by going on a 9-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Paris McBride, to take a 30-24 lead, a score that would hold until halftime. Morehead State forced four Western Illinois turnovers in the period and turned them into six points.
Western Illinois then took a 45-39 lead following intermission before Morehead State went on an 8-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Novik, to grab a 47-45 lead with 46 seconds to go in the third. The Leathernecks then rallied to tie it at 47-47 heading into the fourth quarter.
Western Illinois broke the tie, taking control in the final quarter winning 65-59. Morehead State fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 12 points.
Game Notes
» Morehead State lit it up from three point land, knocking down eight treys in the game.
» The Morehead State defense forced 13 turnovers.
» The Eagles were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording eight blocks as a team.» Morehead State turned the ball over five times while dishing out 11 assists.
» Morehead State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 19 offensive boards in the game.
» Veronica Charles led the Eagles with 17 points.
» Morehead State got a game-high 17 rebounds from Blessing King.
Morehead State is back on the road this upcoming week, heading to Tennessee State on Thursday and Tennessee Tech on Saturday.Â
