Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
30-3,19-1MVC
(4) Northern Iowa
18-14,13-7MVC
Racers Championship Bound After Thrilling Saturday Win
3/14/2026 5:56:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Murray State defeated Northern Iowa 72-59 in the MVC semifinals to advance to their second consecutive MVC title game
Top-seeded Murray State advanced to the Missouri Valley Conference tournament championship with a 72-59 victory over Northern Iowa on Saturday at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa.
Keslyn Secrist led the Racers (30-3) with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Haven Ford added 19 points. MVC Player of the Year Halli Poock chipped in 13 points and seven assists to help Murray State secure its 14th consecutive win. Poock broke the MSU single season scoring record in the game, now with 728 points this season.
The Racers dominated early, building an 18-point lead in the second quarter. However, the Panthers (18-14) mounted a furious comeback, outscoring Murray State 22-12 in the third period to take a 53-50 lead into the final frame.
Murray State regained control in the fourth quarter with a decisive 18-0 run. The Racers outscored UNI 22-6 in the period, holding the Panthers to 10.5 percent shooting from the field. Sharnecce Currie-Jelks finished with 10 points and a game-high 13 rebounds for her 25th double double of the year. The Jackson, Tennessee native broke the 47 year old program single season rebounding record, now with 386 rebounds this season.
With the win, the Racers became just the second team in MVC history to reach 30 wins in a season. Murray State moves on to face No. 10 Evansville in Sunday's title game at 1 p.m. CT.
Game Notes
- Murray State women's basketball advanced to the 2026 MVC Tournament Championship Game
- The Racers became the second team in Valley history to reach the 30 win mark, only other occurrence being 1991-92 Missouri State who finished the season in the Final Four
- Halli Poock broke the Murray State single season scoring record, now with 728 points this season (Prev. record, Ashley Hayes in 2008-09, 723 pts)
- Sharnecce Currie-Jelks set the program single season rebounding record, now with 386 rebounds (Prev. record, Jackie Mounts in 1978-79, 375 rebs)
- Keslyn Secrist led MSU in the game with 22 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter
- Haven Ford poured in 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists
