James Sets Free Throw Mark As Turner Gets First Win
Ke’Shunan James poured in a career-high 37 points and broke the program record for most free throws made in a single game as she went an incredible 20-for-20 at the line, as the Murray State women defeated Northern Kentucky 98-87 Saturday night in Murray, Ky., and gave Head Coach Rechelle Turner her first collegiate win. James also set the school record for most makes in a single contest without a miss. Both feats broke the old mark of 18 held by current MSU assistant Amber Guffey.
The Racers used a 34-point fourth quarter and went on a 12-2 run over a 3:23 stretch late in the period as they extended a 78-77 lead with 4:43 left to 90-79 with 1:21 remaining. MSU was then able to salt the game away with eight free throws in the final minute-plus of action.
The first three quarters of action saw a back-and-forth affair as there were 10 ties and 17 lead changes in the first 30 minutes before the Racers were able to take control the latter half of the fourth.
For the game, the Racers shot 31-of-36 from the line for an 86.1 percent clip while the Norse (0-3) went 20-of-27 (74.1 percent). The Racers shot 50.9 percent from the floor while NKU shot 50.8 percent. MSU also hit 11 3-pointers to NKU’s seven.
In addition to her 37 points, James also added nine assists, five steals and five rebounds. The nine assists ties a career-best for her. Bria Bethea added 19 points and six boards while Abria Gulledge added 17 and hit four 3-pointers and Jasmine Borders chipped in with 13 and made three from beyond-the-arc.
The Norse were able to get a big advantage on the glass against the Racers, out-rebounding MSU 38-25 and had a 19-9 edge in second-chance points and 44-32 advantage in points in the paint. The Racers’ pressure defense however made a big difference as they forced 24 Norse miscues, leading to 30 points.
MSU returns to action Tuesday night as they head to Nashville for a 6:30 contest against Lipscomb.
by Kevin DeVries
