Racers Snap Skid; Beat EIU 83-74

Saturday, February 15

CFSB Center

5:15 p.m.

Murray State

9-14 (2-9OVC)

Eastern Illinois

10-13 (5-7OVC)

Team	1	2	F
Eastern Illinois	29	45	74
Murray St.	36	47	83

Photo by: Kyser Lough/Ledger & Times

2/15/2014 9:01:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

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The Murray State women's basketball team ended a seven-game drought Saturday night, by topping EIU, 83-74, at the CFSB Center in Murray.

The Racers (9-14, 2-9) trailed the Panthers for most of the first half, but never allowed the lead to grow larger than six points. With 11:34 left in the half, Murray State embarked on 16-4 run that lasted nearly 10 minutes. The run also included a six-minute period where Eastern Illinois (10-13, 5-7) scored just one point, compared to 11 by MSU. Murray State led by as many as nine in the latter part of the half and took a 36-29 into the locker room at the half.

The Panthers attempted to cut into the lead early in the second, but the Racers would have none and led by 14 with 10:59 to play in the game. However, Eastern Illinois would not take no for an answer and from that point on went on an 18-5 run to cut the deficit to just one with 5:17 to play.

That would be as EIU would be able to get though, as MSU made 19 of 24 free throw attempts in the final five minutes to seal the win and put an end to a seven-game losing streak. Janssen Starks and Netanya Jackson played a big role in Murray State's hot free throw shooting as the two combined to go 18-for-20 at the stripe. Starks sank a career-high 11 of 12 free throws on Saturday, while Jackson tied her career high for made free throws by going 7-for-8.

Though they were out-rebounded 43-34 in the game, the Racers found other ways to help win the game including blocking EIU three times, picking up six steals and turning the ball over just eight times. Murray State also played excellent defense on the Panthers' Sabina Oroszova who entered the game averaging team-highs of 17.8 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. The Racers were able to limit Oroszova to just six point and five boards before she fouled out of the game with over four minutes to play.

Bianca Babic led Murray State on the night with 17 points, 15 of which came by way of the 3-point shot. Jessica Winfrey and Jackson led the Racers on the boards, as they each pulled down a team-high six rebounds to go along with 15 and 11 points, respectively. Starks added two field goals to her 11 free throws to finish with 15 points, while Taylor Porter rounded out the five Racers in double figures with 11.

On Monday, the Racers will continue their stretch of five games in 10 days when they welcome SIU Edwardsville to The Bank. Tip-off between the Cougars and Murray State is set for 7 p.m. Monday night will also be Hoops N' Heels Ladies Night at the CFSB Center. All females will be able to purchase $3 tickets at the door, as well as the first 100 will receive a free Ladies Night t-shirt sponsored by the Calloway- County Hospital.