RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University’s women’s basketball team closed an eight-point second half deficit to two on three occasions, but couldn’t complete the comeback in a 68-62 loss to Tennessee State University at home on Thursday.
The Lady Tigers (9-12, 6-4 OVC) used a 16-2 run midway through the second half to turn a six-point deficit into an eight-point lead. Briana Morrow and Jayda Johnson each scored four points during the run. Johnson’s jumper with 11:27 left finished off the run and put the visitors in front 50-42.
After going 5:03 without scoring, the Colonels (8-12, 3-7 OVC) bucketed six points in 44 seconds to get within two, 50-48, with 8:34 left to play. Shameekia Murray converted a lay-up off a long transition pass from Michaela Hunter and was fouled. Her free throw polished off the EKU spurt.
Four free throws by Miranda Maples got Eastern within 62-60 and 64-62, but the Colonels could never tie or take the lead.
Murray led EKU with 15 points off the bench. She made 6-of-9 from the field, dished out three assists and had three steals. Hunter finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Imani Davis and Briana Morrow had 15 points each for the Tigers.
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Eastern shot 46 percent from the field but committed nine more turnovers. Tennessee State out-rebounded the home team by just one, but turned 11 offensive rebounds into a 12-0 edge in second chance points.
The Colonels trailed 18-17 in the first half before going on a late 11-2 run to take an eight-point lead. Hunter got it started with a lay-up and Murray followed with a three-pointer. Hunter’s basket with 3:45 remaining in the opening half made it 28-20. The Tigers scored just one basket during a six-minute stretch. Eastern took a 29-25 lead into the locker room at the break.
Eastern Kentucky will face Belmont at home on Saturday at 4 p.m.
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