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Box Score]
MURRAY, Ky. – Eastern Illinois opened the second half making their first seven shots from the floor but the Panthers could not get the big shot to give them the lead as Murray State put the game away at the free throw line, 68-58, on Wednesday night at the CFSB Center in Murray.
MSU led 29-23 at the half as both teams were cold from the field. The Racers maintained their first half lead with the inside play of Kyra Gulledge. Gulledge had six of her nine rebounds on the offensive glass finishing the night with 17 points.
EIU opened the second half with baskets from multiple players as they tied the game at 39-39 with 4:21 left to play in the third period.
Shakita Cox pulled EIU within two points at the end of the third period as her 3-pointer closed the Racers lead to 48-46. Cox was one of three EIU players in double figures finishing with 10 points.
The Panthers had three chances to take the lead early in the fourth period but three straight turnovers let the Racers survive as they drove the ball to the basket sinking 14-of-20 shots at the free throw line. Ke'Shunan James added 17 points for MSU.
Grace Lennox led EIU in scoring with 12 points.
Erica Brown added 11 points just shy of a double-double recording eight rebounds.
Jalisha Smith led EIU and set a new career high with nine rebounds in her first career start as a Panther.
EIU drops to 1-20 overall, 0-9 in the OVC. Murray State improved to 7-12 overall, 3-5 in the OVC. EIU plays at SIUE on Saturday at 2 p.m.