MOREHEAD, KY -- A tough first half proved to be the difference for the Morehead State women's basketball team on Thursday night, as the Eagles fell to the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 79-56.
The Eagles (6-7, 1-1) had three players score in double figures, led by Katie Novik, who had 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Veronica Charles added 14 points and three steals and Blessing King chipped in as well with 11 points and nine rebounds.
King pulled down three offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Morehead State, grabbing 11 boards and turning them into seven second chance points.
Morehead State forced 15 Tennessee Tech turnovers. The Eagles turned those takeaways into 15 points on the offensive end of the floor. Novik's three steals led the way for Morehead State.
How It Happened
Morehead State struggled out of the gate, falling behind 21-11 at the end of the first quarter.
The Eagles continued to lose ground in the second quarter and faced a 47-25 halftime deficit.
Morehead State's deficit continued to grow after halftime, and the Eagles faced a 67-42 disadvantage heading to the fourth quarter. Morehead State knocked down three three-pointers in the quarter to score nine of its 17 total points.
Morehead State narrowed its deficit in the fourth quarter, but could not get over the hump, losing 79-56. Morehead State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 14 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Eagles shared the ball well, recording an assist on 65 percent of made field goals.
» The Morehead State defense forced 15 turnovers.
» The Eagles were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.
» Morehead State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Katie Novik and Veronica Charles led the Eagles with a game-high 14 points apiece.
» Morehead State got a game-high nine rebounds from Blessing King.
A quick turnaround and another opponent from the Volunteer State await MSU, as the Eagles host Tennessee State on Saturday at Johnson Arena.
