MOREHEAD, KY -- Veronica Charles totaled 23 points on her Senior Day to help lead the Morehead State women's basketball team over the Lindenwood Lions 72-59 at home Saturday.
Charles added six rebounds, six assists, and two steals to her 23 point game to lead the Eagles (15-14, 10-8 OVC). Katie Novik helped out with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists and Hallie Rhodes chipped in with nine points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
Morehead State pulled down 45 rebounds in Saturday's game compared to Lindenwood's 30, led by 13 boards from Blessing King. The Eagles also put in work on the offensive glass, turning 19 rebounds into 20 second chance points.
Morehead State's defense held Lindenwood to only 35 percent shooting from the field.
How It Happened
After playing to an 8-8 tie early in the game, Morehead State went on a 6-0 run with 5:25 left in the first quarter to take a 14-8 lead. The Eagles then maintained that lead and entered the quarter break with a 20-14 advantage. Morehead State did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 12 of its 20 points close to the basket.
Morehead State kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 7-0 run starting at the 4:30 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Charles, to increase its lead to 32-20. The Eagles proceeded to tack on one point to that lead and enjoyed a 39-26 advantage heading into halftime. Morehead State dominated in the paint, scoring 10 of its 19 points close to the basket.
Morehead State continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on a 10-0 run to expand its lead further to 55-38 with 2:11 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Lions had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Eagles still entered the fourth quarter with a 57-45 edge. Morehead State's bench made the most of its minutes in the period, as non-starters totaled seven of the team's 18 third-quarter points.
Morehead State kept its lead intact before going on a 6-0 run, finished off by King's layup, to grow the lead to 68-50 with 3:26 to go in the contest. The Lions narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Eagles still cruised the rest of the way for the 72-59 win. Morehead State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 10 of its 15 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Eagles held the Lions to only 35 percent shooting from the field.
» The Eagles never trailed after taking a 20-14 first quarter lead.
» Morehead State had a 45-30 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Morehead State defense forced 13 turnovers.
» Morehead State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 19 offensive boards in the game.
» Veronica Charles led the Eagles with a game-high 23 points.
» Morehead State got a game-high 13 rebounds from Blessing King.
With the No. 5 seed locked up, Morehead State's next action is this week at the OVC Tournament in Evansville.
