Sophomore Ellie Jo Johnson scored a career-high 16 points as the Morehead State Women's Basketball team fell to UT Martin, 82-64, in Ohio Valley Conference play on Saturday afternoon at Johnson Arena.
The Eagles led the Skyhawks 23-21 through the first quarter as they knocked down 10-of-21 (.476) shots from the field - all of which came from inside the arc.
UT Martin opened the second quarter on a 10-1 run to pull ahead 41-31 at the half on its way to the win.
After falling behind 48-36 with 6:55 to go in the third, the Eagles countered with 7-0 run of their own to pull within five after Johnson sank two free throws with 5:35 in the quarter. The Skyhawks quickly answered with a 7-0 run of their own to go back on top by 12.
MSU Junior Jazzmyn Elston knocked down a triple with 3:49 remaining in the third to make it a nine-point game but UTM's Brittni Moore sank a three-point bucket of her own to give her squad a 12-point advantage. The Eagles were unable to get the game back within single digits at the Skyhawks picked up the win.
Overall, UT Martin hit on 30-of-56 (.536) shots from the field while Morehead State went 25-of-57 (.439) shooting. On the glass, the Eagles outrebounded the Skyhawks 34-29.
While Johnson had a career-day scoring, Morehead State's efforts were paced by freshman Tomiyah Alford with 17 points. Alford also grabbed nine rebounds, tying fellow rookie Ariel Kirkwood for the team high.
Forward Maddie Waldrop paced the Skyhawks in scoring with 26 points while also grabbing nine rebounds.
The win improves UT Martin to 13-8 overall and 9-1 in OVC play.
Morehead State falls to 8-14 for the season and 4-6 in league play.
Next up, the Eagles travel to Illinois to face off with SIUE (2/6) and Eastern Illinois (2/8).
