After compiling a string of at least nine straight wins for only the fourth time in school history, Morehead State women's basketball (14-4, 4-1 Ohio Valley Conference) dropped a 69-66 road test to Tennessee State (7-7, 2-2 OVC) in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night.
Down 68-58 with under 40 seconds to go, KayK Tate ignited an 8-0 run by the Eagles via her second three-pointer of the contest. After Brianna McQueen nailed a jumper from long range with 13.4 tics on the clock, Darianne Seward immediately forced a jump ball with Morehead State down 68-66.
The Eagles took possession, but McQueen's attempt at a floater in the lane rattled out with just over four seconds remaining. The Lady Tigers sank one final free throw, icing the Eagles' first conference loss of the season.
"Give Tennessee State credit," said head coach Greg Todd. "They're a good team on their home floor. We weren't very good on the offensive end."
Foul shooting was a key factor in the Eagles' first loss since Nov. 30. Tennessee State capitalized on 22-for-29 (.759) shooting from the stripe, while Morehead State attempted only 21 free throws of its own. Both teams shot under 40 percent from the field, though the Eagles dialed in an 8-of-20 (.400) showing from three-point range.
"It was a hard-played game," Todd said. "I thought our defense was good enough to win."
Seward led the way for the Eagles, recording 13 points on 2-of-3 (.667) shooting from long range, as well as four assists, three rebounds, and two steals. McQueen tallied 12 points, six boards, four assists, and three steals in 25 minutes off the bench. Miranda Crockett - with 10 points on 6-of-6 shooting from the charity stripe, complemented by seven rebounds and two steals - was the only other Morehead State player to score in double-digits.
The Eagles lead 30-27 in the all-time head-to-head series with Tennessee State, with a shot at revenge for Wednesday's loss scheduled for Feb. 15.
"We're pleased with how we've been playing," said Todd. "We'll welcome them to Johnson Arena in February."
In the meantime, Morehead State will return to action on Saturday, as 2016 OVC Tournament champion Belmont (13-5, 5-0 OVC) visits Johnson Arena at 5:30 p.m. ET.
