Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
24-3,15-1MVC
Illinois State
16-11,10-6MVC
Racers Chase Down Redbirds in Second Half Flurry
2/22/2026 5:28:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Murray State women's basketball erased a 14 point halftime deficit to pick up the road win
Halli Poock exploded for a game-high 31 points to propel Murray State (24-3, 15-1 MVC) to a 73-62 comeback victory over Illinois State (16-11, 10-6 MVC) on Sunday at CEFCU Arena.
Despite trailing by 14 points at halftime, the Racers dominated the second half, outscoring the Redbirds 45-20 across the final two periods. Poock's offensive clinic included four 3-pointers, while Sharnecce Currie-Jelks anchored the interior with a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double. Haven Ford and Keslyn Secrist also reached double figures, contributing 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Illinois State controlled the early tempo, led by Trista Fayta's 18 points and a 14-point, 10-rebound effort from Doneelah Washington. However, Murray State's defense tightened in the fourth quarter, holding Illinois State to just nine points on 25 percent shooting.
The Racers capitalized on 16 second-chance points and 17 points off turnovers to pull away late in the final frame.
Game Notes
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- Murray State now holds a three-game lead in the Valley standings with four games to play
- The Racers can clinch at least a share of the regular season title on Thursday against Indiana State
- Poock's 31 point performance is her fifth game this season with 30 or more points, the most in the MVC
- Currie-Jelks posted her 20th double-double of the season to lead the nation and becomes the first Racer in program history to reach 20 double doubles in a season
- Haven Ford now has 499 career rebounds
- The Racers are one win from matching the program record for wins in a season
- The 2024-25 team posted 25 wins a season ago
