NASHVILLE, TN -- The Morehead State women's basketball team battled for all four quarters on Thursday but couldn't overcome Tennessee State at the Gentry Center, falling to the Tigers by a final score of 71-58.
The Eagles (10-10, 5-4) had three players score in double figures, led by Veronica Charles, who had 15 points, five assists and five steals. Katie Novik added 10 points and six rebounds and Hallie Rhodes chipped in as well with 10 points and three steals.
Morehead State shared the ball well in Thursday's game, racking up 15 assists on 23 made field goals. Charles' five assists paced the Eagles.
Morehead State forced 16 Tennessee State turnovers. The Eagles turned those takeaways into 10 points on the other end of the floor. Charles' five steals led the way for Morehead State.
How It Happened
After falling behind 12-6, Morehead State went on a 6-0 run with 4:02 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Melissa Secchiaroli, to tie the game at 12. The game stayed close for the remainder of the first, as the Eagles finished the period with the score tied at 15-15. Morehead State relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 15 points.
Tennessee State then took a 25-21 lead before Morehead State responding by going on a 6-0 run, highlighted by a three from Charles, to take a 27-25 lead. The Tigers then came roaring back to take a 31-27 lead heading into halftime.
Tennessee State continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 41-32 advantage before Morehead State went on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a three from Matilda Soderlund, to trim its deficit to 41-37 with 4:28 to go in the third. Tennessee State countered and stretched its lead to 55-41 heading into the fourth. Morehead State played well near the basket, scoring 10 of its 14 points in the paint.
Morehead State narrowed its deficit to 59-48 before going on a 5-0 run, finished off by Novik's jumper, to shrink the deficit to 59-53 with 5:35 to go in the contest. Tennessee State responded and outscored the Eagles the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 71-58. Morehead State fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 17 points.
Game Notes
» Morehead State found success from three point land, knocking down nine treys in the game.
» The Eagles shared the ball well, recording an assist on 65 percent of made baskets.
» The Morehead State defense forced 16 turnovers.
» Morehead State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
» Veronica Charles led the Eagles with 15 points.
» Morehead State got a team-high six rebounds from Katie Novik.
The Eagles will stay in the Volunteer State this weekend, taking on Tennessee Tech on Saturday.
