Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
26-3,17-1MVC
Evansville
7-22,5-13MVC
Record Setting Racers are MVC Outright Champs
2/28/2026 5:29:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Murray State women's basketball set a program record 26 wins en route to securing a second straight MVC title
Murray State secured its place in the record books Saturday afternoon at the CFSB Center, defeating Evansville 99-80 to clinch its second consecutive Missouri Valley Conference championship. The victory marks the 26th win of the season for the Racers (26-3, 17-1 MVC), setting a new program record for wins in a single season.
The Racers' high-powered offense was led by Halli Poock, who poured in a game-high 27 points on 13-of-23 shooting. Murray State showcased its depth with three players scoring over 20 points; Sharnecce Currie-Jelks dominated the interior with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double, while Haven Ford contributed 23 points and six assists.
Keslyn Secrist added 14 points while Briley Pena scored eight points as the lone senior on MSU's senior day.
Though the game featured 17 lead changes, Murray State seized control in the second half. After a tight first half that saw the Racers trail 44-43 at the break, they exploded for 56 points in the final two quarters. The Racers capitalized on 20 second-chance points and outscored the Purple Aces 50-46 in the paint.
Evansville (7-22, 5-13 MVC) was paced by Camryn Runner's 22 points and a 19-point effort from Kylee Norkus off the bench. Despite shooting 51.7% from the field, the Purple Aces could not keep pace with the Racers' 49.3 percent clip and 23 made free throws.
With the win, Murray State is the back-to-back MVC champions and have secured the number one seed in the MVC Tournament. The Racers will take on UIC and Valparaiso in their final two regular season games.
Game Notes
- Murray State secured the outright Missouri Valley Conference title with the win
- The championship is the Racers second straight MVC title
- With the win, MSU set a new program record for wins in a season with 26
- Murray State celebrated senior day for Briley Pena as the lone senior on the roster
- Â The win secured an undefeated home slate this season, the first since 2008-09
- Sharnecce Currie-Jelks scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for her 22nd double-double this season to lead the nation
- Halli Poock continued her scorching scoring streak with 27 points. The junior is averaging 25.2 points in MVC play.
- MSU will play UIC and Valparaiso next week to finish out the regular season
