For the first time since Jan. 23, the Murray State women’s basketball team lost a game. Unfortunately, this one ended their season.
Despite having the fifth-ranked offense in the country; the size, speed and athleticism of the Maryland Terrapins proved to be too much for Murray State to handle.
Maryland jumped out to a 51-35 halftime lead. The Terps finished the half shooting 50% from the field and were dominant on the glass, grabbing 25 rebounds. Murray State finished the half shooting 42.4% and only had 10 rebounds total for the game up to that point. Junior guard Halli Poock was one of three players at halftime with double-digit points, and was the only Racer in double figures.
The Terrapins stretched their lead to 23 points with 4:54 left in the third quarter, but Murray State stayed persistent. The Racers cut the lead all the way down to 14 going into the fourth quarter thanks to an and-1 floater by junior forward Keslyn Secrist with 0.7 seconds left in the third quarter.
Despite an opportunity to rally, the Racers couldn’t get it done. Murray State only made four shots in the final frame, as the Terrapins shot 58.8% to extend the lead and end Murray State’s season.
In the first-ever meeting between the schools, Maryland beat Murray State 99-67 to advance to the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament.
The Racers were led by Poock, who finished with 27 points. Secrist finished with 17 points on 50% shooting. Junior guard Haven Ford also finished with 17 points on 50% shooting.
Murray State’s season concludes with a record of 31-4, which is the most wins in program history and the second-most in Missouri Valley Conference history. The Racers also finished the season as back-to-back MVC regular season and tournament champions.
