Box Score (PDF)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Second half shots just did not fall for the Eastern Kentucky University women's basketball team, as the Colonels fell to Tennessee State, 86-74, at the Gentry Center on Saturday night.
 
The Colonels (8-14, 3-9 OVC) shot 46 percent in the first half, making 13-of-28 shots.  But the Colonels could not make shots in the second half, shooting just 9-of-36 (25 percent) and 1-of-12 (8.3 percent) from three.  During the same time, Tennessee State shot 50 percent.
 
EKU led by as many as 13 in the first half, as a jumper by junior Shameekia Murray made it 32-19 with 7:07 on the clock.  The Colonels were outscored 67-42 the rest of the way.
 
The Lady Tigers (12-12, 9-4 OVC) grabbed 20 offensive rebounds and had 38 points in the paint against the Colonels' frontcourt.
 
Junior Shelly Harper was a bright spot for the Colonels. Harper notched her third double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds.  Harper had two previous double-doubles this season, one at North Florida on Nov. 29 and the other against Asbury on Dec. 2.
 
Sophomore Michaela Hunter led EKU with 19 points and grabbed six rebounds points.  Murray added 14 points to the total.
 
Tennessee State out-rebounded the Colonels 57 to 42 during the game.  Chelsea Hudson led the Lady Tigers with a double-double.  Hudson scored 17 points and had 13 rebounds to help the Tigers.  
 
Both teams started cold in the second half, combining for just 5-of-21 to open the half.  But after the first media timeout, the Tigers started to make shots and eventually built a lead as much as 16 with six minutes to go.
 
With the loss, EKU has been swept by Tennessee State in the regular season for the second consecutive season. 
 
EKU will be back in action Feb. 18 against Jacksonville State in McBrayer Arena.  Game time is set for 7 p.m.
 
 
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