Box Score Morehead, KY – The IU Columbus women's basketball team fell to Morehead State, 120-46, on Saturday afternoon at Johnson Arena in Morehead, Kentucky. Despite a hard-fought effort, the Crimson Pride were overpowered by a high-flying Morehead State offense that shot 59.5% from the field and had 15 players score in the blowout victory.
The game began with a strong start from the Eagles, who built an insurmountable lead early in the first half. Morehead State opened with a 33-point first quarter and shot 55% from the field, while IU Columbus struggled offensively, making just three field goals in the opening period. The Eagles' defensive pressure and fast-paced offense led to a commanding 63-22 halftime lead, and the Crimson Pride never fully recovered.
Gwen Higdon was the standout performer for IU Columbus, finishing with 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Amaya Collins, who played a team-high 36 minutes, contributed 9 points but struggled with her shooting, finishing 2-of-13 from the field, including 1-of-6 from three-point range.
Another bright spot for the Crimson Pride was Elyse Goad, who was perfect from the field, scoring 9 points on 4-of-4 shooting. The senior also grabbed 3 rebounds, had 1 assist, and 1 steal in 25 minutes of play. Despite their individual performances, IU Columbus could not match the scoring outburst from Morehead State, who shot 71.4% from the field in the second quarter to increase their lead further.
The Crimson Pride's offense found its rhythm in the second quarter, shooting 45.5% and making three of six three-point attempts. However, they were unable to contain the balanced attack from Morehead State, who continued to pour in points from all areas of the floor. The Eagles finished with 120 points, their highest total of the season, led by a strong bench performance that contributed 77 points.
For Morehead State, Maia Rosarion came off the bench to score 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting, while Katie Dike was perfect from the field, finishing with 14 points and 5 rebounds in just 18 minutes. The Eagles also received a balanced effort from Aaliyah Holmes (15 points) and Kate Novik (10 points, 5 steals, 4 assists), as well as strong performances from their entire roster.
IU Columbus faced challenges all game with Morehead State's size, speed, and depth. The Eagles dominated in the paint, scoring 62 points in the key compared to just 22 for the Crimson Pride. The Eagles also capitalized on fast-break opportunities, finishing with 37 fast-break points to IU Columbus' zero.
Despite the tough result, IU Columbus will look to bounce back in their next game, on Tuesday, at the University of Evansville. Tuesday's match-up will conclude the Crimson Pride's D1 contests. Tip-off is set for 11:00 AM.
