Morehead, Ky. -- The Morehead State women's basketball team suffered a scoring drought in the heart of the game and the Eagles (1-1) fell to New Mexico (1-1) 66-56 in The Pit in Albuquerque, N.M.
Senior guard Aileen Marquez scored 21 points (a D-1 career high) shooting 8-13 from the floor including 5-9 from three-point range. Guard Kate Novik finished with 14 points and Senior Harley Paynter added 10 points and pulled down a team-high seven rebounds.
In the first quarter New Mexico outscored Morehead State 24-15. The Eagles cut into the lead and senior guard Aileen Marquez cut the lead to 28-23 with a three-pointer at the 6:42 mark. Morehead State finished the half 0-9 from the field and trailed at the break 37-23.
The drought continued for the Eagles to begin the third quarter, the Eagles finally scoring on a free throw by Kuryn Brunson with 2:39 to go in the quarter; a scoring drought of 14:10. The Eagles were held to just seven points in the third quarter shooting just 2-15 from the floor. However, New Mexico suffered from the offensive chill scoring only nine points on 3-15 shooting from the field. Morehead State trailed 46-30 heading into the last stanza.
Both teams heated up in the final frame; Morehead State outscored the New Mexico 26-20 in the period on the strength of 58% shooting from the floor, while New Mexico made half of their field goal attempts. The Eagles out-scored the Lobos 16-6 in the final four minutes to trim the final margin to 10.
The Lobos were led by Viane Cumber with 23 points and 12 rebounds, both game highs. Hulda Joaquim added 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Morehead State's Road trip continues Sunday as the Eagles trek to west Texas to take on Texas-El Paso. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.
