Box Score (PDF)

RICHMOND, Ky. – The EKU women's basketball team fended off a late rally from Tennessee State University and moved to 4-1 in Ohio Valley Conference play with a 66-62 win Saturday at McBrayer Arena.
 
Senior Jalen O'Bannon logged her second double-double in as many games, finishing with 15 points and tying a career-high with 16 rebounds in the win. Senior guard Alexus Cooper added 21 points on three-of-four from long range. Senior guard Mariah Massengill notched a career-high with 16 points for the Colonels.
 
The EKU (7-11, 4-1 OVC) offense stalled in the second quarter as the Tigers rattled off a 10-0 run, putting them ahead 27-17 with 3:59 to play in the half. Cooper, however, had a different plan and scored five straight points to cut into the TSU lead. After a pair of Tennessee State free throws, EKU finished the second half on an 8-0 run, bookended by two Massengill three-pointers to tie the game, 29-29, at the half.
 
The Tigers broke the tie with a free throw to open the second half, but a pair of Cooper treys put the Colonels back in front. Eastern would not trail again in the game. Both teams traded shots, with TSU eventually tying it up, 47-47 with 9:42 to play in the game.
 
A pair of Abby Wright jumpers sparked a 10-0 EKU run as the Colonels regained the lead. The final 11 points for EKU came from the free throw line. O'Bannon chipped in five, Cooper sank two, and Massengill netted four from the line, including the two shots with 10 seconds to go, essentially icing the game for the Colonels.
 
The Colonels won the battle of the boards, pulling down 15 more rebounds than the Lady Tigers. EKU shot .500 (5-of-10) or better from deep Saturday for the third time this season.
 
EKU travels to Morehead State University Saturday for another OVC contest. Saturday's game is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. tip from Johnson Arena.