2015EKUSFW

Eastern Kentucky University vs. Saint Francis (Women)

Gator Holiday Classic

O’Connell Center

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL

December 21, 2015

Eastern Kentucky University coach Chrissy Roberts started the following lineup: 5-10 Sr. Shameekia Murray, 5-10 Jr. Michaela Hunter, 6-1 Jr. Jalen O’Bannon, 5-5 Jr. Mariah Massengill, and 5-8 Jr. Alexus Cooper.  Saint Francis coach Joe Haight countered with 5-9 Fr. Jessica Kovatch, 5-9 Jr. Samiah Bethel, 6-2 Gr. Brielle Ward, 5-6 Sr. Aisha Brock, and 5-8 Jr. Katie Reese.

Saint Francis raced out to a 30-19 first quarter lead but Eastern Kentucky University rallied for an 88-82 victory.  The score was tied five times and there were six lead changes in the game.  Eastern Kentucky shot 55% from the field including eight of 15 from the three point line.  The Colonels connected on 14 of 22 free throws, pulled down 37 rebounds, and scored 27 points off 22 Saint Francis turnovers.  Saint Francis shot 45.5% from the field including 17 of 36 from beyond the arc.  They connected on five of five free throws, pulled down 30 rebounds, and scored 25 points off 22 Eastern Kentucky turnovers.

Shameekia Murray led Eastern Kentucky with 34 points, five rebounds, three assists, and four steals.  Jalen O’Bannon added 16 points and six rebounds.  Alexus Cooper recorded 15 points including three three point baskets and five rebounds.  Michaela Hunter chipped in with nine rebounds and seven assists.

Jessica Kovatch led Saint Francis with 22 points including four three point baskets.  Aisha Brock added 20 points including six three point baskets, six rebounds, and four assists.  Katie Reese chipped in with 13 points including three three point baskets and four assists.  5-8 So. Halee Adams recorded 10 points, five rebounds, and three steals.

Eastern Kentucky University,19,25,25,19,88

Saint Francis,30,12,24,16,82

Eastern Kentucky University (88) – Murray 34, Hunter 2, O’Bannon 16, Massengill 5, Cooper 15, Wright 6, Willix 5, Maples 5.

Saint Francis (82) – Kovatch 22, Bethel 5, Ward 0, Brock 20, Reese 13, Adams 10, Wynn 6, Zezza 4, Smith 2.

A special thanks to the University of Florida Stats Crew for providing the comprehensive statistics for today’s game