Story by Gage Johnson
Senior writer
gjohnson17@murraystate.edu
After a back-and-forth affair in the first half of Murray State’s OVC opener, a standout performance from junior forward Aliyah Jeune would put the Racers away.
The Eagles came flying out of the gates to an early 9-3 lead in the first quarter, stifling the Racers to force a 1-for-6 shooting start.
Murray State would manage to bounce back thanks to a solid start from freshman guard Macey Turley, who would have all seven of the Racers’ points early on. Murray State would trail 21-19 after the first quarter of play.
In the second quarter it was all Jeune. The junior forward would attack the Racers for 15 first-half points on 6-for-13 shooting, with a pair of step-back threes. This would lead to the Eagles taking a 45-33 lead into the locker room.
The Eagles had four scorers in double figures. Jeune a transfer from Rutgers University, ended the night leading all scorers with 28 points.
“Jeune was unconscious shooting the ball,” said sophomore forward Briana Crane. “We’re not used to playing somebody like that. When you play somebody like that, it brings down your momentum.”
Murray State would battle back in the third quarter, cutting Morehead State’s lead to seven twice.
“I think they just continued to make shots,” Turner said. “One of the biggest differences from them this year from last year, is they had players last year that could break you down off the dribble. But if you were able to stop that penetration when they kicked the ball out they couldn’t hit that shot. This year with their transfers, they break you down off the dribble and they kick it out and make that shot.”
Despite outscoring Morehead State in the fourth quarter, the Eagles would outscore the Racers 24-11 in the fourth quarter, claiming an 83-61 victory to open up conference play.
Turnovers has been a continuous issue during the season, and continued to cause problems for Murray State on Thursday evening, as it turned the ball over 19 times. This would turn into 24 points for Morehead State. The Racers now average 17.3 TPG on the season.
After losing the OVC opener, Murray State will remain at home to take on Eastern Kentucky. Tip-off will be at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5, at the CFSB Center.