(MURRAY, Ky.) – The Murray State women’s basketball team delivered a weekend performance for the ages, claiming back-to-back double-overtime victories at the CFSB Center to push their winning streak to 10 games and maintain a perfect Missouri Valley Conference record.
The Racers opened the weekend Friday night with a 101-93 triumph over Illinois State before following up Sunday with a 93-82 defeat of Bradley. Both contests required an extra 10 minutes to decide, marking the first time Murray State has played consecutive double-overtime games in program history.
Friday: Racers Outlast Illinois State
Murray State needed every second of the extended playing time to dispatch Illinois State on Friday. Halli Poock erupted for 34 points, placing her performance among the top 30 individual scoring efforts in program history. She connected on 12 of 14 free throws during the marathon affair.
Sharnecce Currie-Jelks delivered a historic night with 21 points and 22 rebounds, becoming the first Murray State player since 2014 to record at least 20 points and 20 boards in a single game. Her rebounding total ranks as the fifth-best single-game performance in school history, while her five blocked shots tied for seventh-most all-time. Haven Ford contributed 27 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the victory.
After regulation ended deadlocked at 77 and the first overtime finished tied at 86, the Racers seized control in the second extra session. Murray State outscored the Redbirds 15-7 over the final five minutes to secure the win in a game that featured 10 ties and eight lead changes.
Doneelah Washington paced Illinois State with 24 points before fouling out in the second overtime. The Racers improved to 11-2 overall and 2-0 in conference play with the victory.
Sunday: Racers Rally Past Bradley
Two nights later, Murray State found itself in another grinding contest against Bradley. The game went back and forth throughout regulation, with 16 lead changes and nine ties keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Poock and Currie-Jelks once again carried the offensive load. Poock registered 26 points and 10 assists, becoming just the sixth MVC player since 2003 to post at least 25 points, five rebounds and 10 assists in a conference game.
Currie-Jelks continued her dominant weekend with 24 points and 20 rebounds, marking her second consecutive 20-20 performance. The junior forward became only the third Division I player since 2003 to achieve back-to-back 20-point, 20-rebound games and the first to do so since 2019. Her 11th double-double of the season ties her for the national lead.
Keslyn Secrist added 18 points for the Racers, while Ford chipped in 11. Murray State shot 87 percent from the free-throw line, making 20 of 23 attempts.
Maya Foz led all scorers with 29 points for Bradley, which fell to 8-6 overall and 1-2 in the conference. Amy O’Hara provided 13 points and 12 rebounds off the bench.
The game was knotted at 70 after regulation and remained tied at 78 following the first overtime. Murray State finally broke through in the second extra period, outscoring the Braves 15-4 while converting five of six field goal attempts. The Racers capitalized on 28 points off turnovers to help secure the win.
Looking Ahead
Murray State now stands at 12-2 overall and 3-0 in MVC play, extending its conference winning streak to 13 games dating back to last season. The 10-game overall winning streak matches last year’s season-long run. This weekend, the Racers be at home to host Northern Iowa at 6 p.m on Friday and Drake on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.
PHOTO COURTESY-PROF. David Eaton
