The Morehead State women's basketball team had 17 fewer turnovers than Virginia-Wise in a 59-37 victory over the Highland Cavaliers in their lone exhibition game Tuesday.
The Eagles had two players score in double figures, led by Veronica Charles, who had 13 points, four assists and seven steals. Sophie Benharouga added 11 points off the bench and Sandra Lin added seven points, nine assists and two steals.
Janay Rose pulled down three offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Morehead State, grabbing 18 boards and turning them into eight second chance points.
The Morehead State defense held Virginia-Wise shooters to just 31 percent from the field, including 25 percent from three-point range.
How It Happened
After falling behind 9-8, Morehead State went on a 12-0 run with 4:20 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Rose, to take a 20-9 lead. The Eagles then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 20-11 advantage. Morehead State did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 14 of its 20 points close to the basket.
The Eagles used the second period to increase their lead and entered halftime with a 31-21 edge. Morehead State was strong from deep in the period, knocking down two three-point shots to account for six of its 11 points.
Morehead State continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on a 9-0 run to expand its lead further to 44-26 with 5:06 to go in the third. The Eagles held onto that lead for the rest of the frame and entered the fourth quarter with a 46-28 edge. Morehead State played well near the basket, scoring 10 of its 15 points in the paint.
Morehead State started tacking on points in the fourth almost immediately, going on a 7-0 run, finished off by Crystal Corley's layup, to grow the lead to 53-28 with 6:10 to go in the contest. The Highland Cavaliers narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Eagles still cruised the rest of the way for the 59-37 win. Morehead State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 13 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Eagles never trailed after taking a 20-11 first quarter lead.
» Morehead State tallied 16 total assists in the game.
» The Morehead State bench made an impact by scoring 30 points to its scoring output.
» The Eagles forced 32 Virginia-Wise turnovers while committing only 15 on the other end.
» Morehead State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 18 offensive boards in the game.
By Talia Gennarelli, Morehead State Athletic Media Relations