Led by a game-high 22 points from Halli Poock, Murray State remained undefeated in Missouri Valley Conference play with a 69-48 victory over Belmont at the CFSB Center on Sunday.
The Racers (16-2, 7-0 MVC) utilized a dominant first half to pull away early, outscoring the Bruins 26-14 in the opening period and building a 45-26 lead by halftime. Poock fueled the offense by shooting 8-of-18 from the field, including three makes from 3-point range. Sharnecce Currie-Jelks anchored the post, hauling down a game-high 15 rebounds to go along with 12 points.
Murray State's defense stifled Belmont (11-8, 7-1 MVC) throughout the afternoon, holding the Bruins to 35.6% shooting and a 0-for-10 performance from beyond the arc. The Racers capitalized on 14 Belmont turnovers, converting them into 21 points.
Haven Ford added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Racers, while Keslyn Secrist contributed 12 points and six boards. Belmont was led by Hilary Fuller, who matched Poock with 22 points of her own.
The victory keeps Murray State alone at the top of the MVC standings as they continue their historic winning streak which now stands at 14 wins in a row.
Game Notes
- The victory gives Murray State sole possession of first place in the MVC standings
- MSU has extended its program record winning streak to 14 victories in a row
- The streak is the fourth longest active streak in the nation
- The Racers defense held Belmont without a three pointer, the first time the Bruins have made zero threes since 2014
- Poock has scored at least 19 points in all MVC games this season and is averaging 26.1 points in conference games
- Currie-Jelks leads the nation with 15 double doubles and is the only player in the nation averaging at least 15 points and 12 rebounds
- The Racers have four players averaging at least 12.4 points in Secrist, Ford, Currie-Jelks, and Poock
- MSU is now 8-0 in the Missouri Valley Conference
Photo by: David Eaton-Murray State Athletics