By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It was a tough day for the Tennessee Tech women's basketball team on Saturday as Murray State came into Cookeville on short notice after both the Golden Eagles and Racers' opponents had to postpone.
After Tech came away from Murray State last weekend with a victory, the Racers learned from that contest and found ways to slow down the Golden Eagles as Murray ran away with a 70-45 victory on Saturday afternoon at the Eblen Center.
The loss put Tech back down to .500 on the season and in the OVC, 7-7 overall and 2-2 in the league.
A slow start saw Murray State (10-4, 2-1 OVC) up early as the Racers were on fire, shooting 8-for-11 in the quarter and hitting their first four field goal attempts. Tech, meanwhile, hit four of its 17 tries, ended the first period trailing 16-10.
The second quarter was even tougher to overcome as Tech went scoreless for nearly six minutes to close out the period, shooting 1-for-13 from the field for just three points, including 0-for-5 from 3-point range. Murray State outscored the Golden Eagles 18-3 to take a 34-13 advantage at halftime.
The Racers extended their lead in the third, outscoring Tech 18-13, but the Golden Eagles were able to get something going in the fourth quarter after MSU replaced its starters.
Anna Walker ended the game as Tech's only double-digit scorer with 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting as she knocked down two 3-point tries and two shots at the free-throw line. Anna Jones had nine points and Kesha Brady had seven to round out Tech's top scorers.
The Golden Eagles ended the game 16-of-54 from the field, 6-of-20 from 3-point range.
Murray State had three double-digit scorers as Katelyn Young led the way with 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting and 5-for-7 at the line, while narrowly missing a double-double with eight rebounds. She also had four assists, three steals and a block.
Hannah McKay had 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting with five boards, while Alexis Burpo had 13 points on 6-for-8 shooting with four rebounds and five assists. Macey Turley ended the game with seven assists to go with her nine points.
The Racers ended the game shooting 29-of-50 from the field, including 3-for-6 from long range and 9-for-11 at the free-throw line. Murray State also outrebounded Tech 36-25, had 24 assists on 29 baskets and scored 52 points in the paint.
The Golden Eagles return to action on Thursday as they travel to Cape Girardeau, Mo., to take on Southeast Missouri.
Photo | Jim Dillon