Murray State University Athletics
Lady Racers hope to get back on winning note against TSU
1/21/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The Murray State Lady Racers, coming off of a close 75-72 overtime loss at Tennessee-Martin on Tuesday, will look to avenge that loss when they host the Tennessee State Lady Tigers on Saturday at 5:15 p.m. at the Regional Special Events Center.
The Lady Racers (6-10, 2-3 OVC) placed four players in double figures in the Tennessee-Martin game, led by senior guard Rebecca Remington, who had 16 points. Current OVC Newcomer of the Week Jessica Hirsch claimed MSU's first double-double of the season with 12 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, while freshman Shaleea Petty and sophomore Ashley Hayes each had 12 points and eight rebounds.
On the season, Remington leads the team in scoring and rebounding, putting in 15.4 points and grabbing 4.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 44.3 percent from the field. Hayes average 12.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, while Petty averages 10.0 points and 4.3 assists per game. The Lady Racers are currently first in the conference in scoring offense in OVC games only, putting up 77 points a game against league competition.
The Lady Tigers (5-11, 2-3 OVC) are coming off of a 72-63 loss at Tennessee-Martin on Thursday. Leslie Dean came off the bench to lead the Lady Tigers in scoring, gathering 17 points. Quanecia Fletcher had 11 points and seven rebounds, while LaKisha Clay added 10 points and five assists in a losing effort.
On the season, the Lady Tigers average three players in double figures. Clay averages 11.0 points to go with 3.8 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 3.0 steals a game. Dean averages 10.4 points and 5.1 rebounds a game, while Kendra Bailey averages 10.3 points and a team-high 8.1 rebounds a game.
"We have Tennessee State coming in here, and they are a fantastic offensive rebounding team," said MSU assistant coach Rob Cross, "and this is, obviously, an Achilles heel of ours, so we're looking forward to that challenge."
This game might have an impact on the league standings at the end of the season. Tennessee Tech, Southeast Missouri State and Eastern Kentucky all share a 4-1 league mark, followed by Tennessee-Martin at 3-2. Then, there is a five-team cluster with a 2-3 OVC record with Murray State, Tennessee State, Samford, Austin Peay and Jacksonville State all tied for fifth. Following those teams, Eastern Illinois and Morehead State each share a 1-4 conference record.
