Peoria, Ill. – Bradley Women's Basketball dropped their first home game of the season, falling 72-40 to Murray State on Friday.
A Close First Half
The Braves and Racers went back and forth early, with Bradley taking a slight advantage on a Kaylen Nelson layup and a Maya Foz jumper. Murray State battled back, tying the game with just over two minutes left in the opening 10 minutes, and hit three straight free throws to take a 13-10 lead into the second quarter. The Braves and Racers exchanged early baskets to start the second quarter, but a Kali Fortson jumper and a Mya Wardle layup tied the game. Murray State hit two straight three-pointers to regain a six-point lead and held on to take a 29-23 lead into halftime.
Standout Performances for Bradley
Foz led the team with 17 points while adding four rebounds and two steals. This marks 19 straight games in which she has scored double-digit points. Nelson finished her day with nine points and four rebounds in 32 minutes of playing time. Amy O'Hara led the team with nine rebounds while adding four points and an assist. Ellie McDermid finished right behind O'Hara with eight rebounds.
A Rough Second Half
Bradley hit a three-pointer to open the second half, and Murray State responded with a seven-point run to extend their lead to 10. Both teams exchanged free throws before the Racers went on an eight-point run to make the deficit 18. A last-second three-pointer from Murray State made the score 55-36. The Braves opened the final quarter with two free throws before the Racers went on a 13-point run to extend their lead to 30. O'Hara hit a layup, and Murray State added a layup and two free throws to take the victory, 72-40.
Defensive Notes
Bradley played a strong defensive game, holding the Racers to 25-for-67 from the field and 7-for-24 from three-point range. However, Bradley struggled to keep up with Murray State's rebounding, getting outrebounded 55-41 and allowing 19 second-chance points. Bradley committed only nine turnovers on the night and recorded more blocks than the Racers.
Coming Up…
The Braves will continue their weekend on Sunday, February 22, when they face the Belmont Bruins at 2 p.m.