HALDEMAN, Ky. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by offensive inefficiency, the Morehead State Eagles used a strong second half to defeat the Marshall Thundering Herd 66-56 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday at E.T. Johnson Arena.

The Eagles improved their season record to 3-4, while the Thundering Herd fell to 5-3.

The game was a tale of two halves, with Marshall struggling to find any consistent rhythm after halftime. Morehead State’s defense was the catalyst, holding the Thundering Herd to a frigid 20-of-61 shooting performance from the floor, a 32.8 percent success rate. Marshall’s offensive woes were further highlighted by an offensive rating of just 78.7 points per 100 possessions.

While the Eagles did not shoot the lights out, finishing 23 of 54 for 42.6 percent, their offensive execution was markedly better, posting an offensive rating of 89.7. They also capitalized more effectively at the free-throw line, making 12 of 16 attempts compared to Marshall’s 8-of-13 showing.

The contest was largely even in several statistical categories. Both teams committed 17 turnovers, and the points-off-turnovers battle was nearly even, with Morehead State holding a slim 15-13 advantage. Marshall dominated the offensive glass, pulling down 13 offensive rebounds to Morehead State’s five, but the Eagles managed to outscore the Thundering Herd in the paint, 26-22.

Morehead State was led by a near triple-double from point guard Marie Sepp. The sophomore from Tallin, Estonia, orchestrated the Eagles’ offense with 10 assists to go along with 9 points and 8 rebounds in 36 minutes of action. Her backcourt partner, Anja Ekstrom of Spanga, Sweden, provided a crucial scoring punch with a game-high 17 points.

In the frontcourt, Kate Dike was a force for the Eagles. The 6-foot-3 forward from Kyiv, Ukraine, recorded a double-double with 18 points and 9 rebounds, adding a block and a steal in 34 minutes. Violet McNece of Chesterfield, Missouri, contributed 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and a block.

Marshall’s attack was more balanced but lacked a primary scorer. Timberlynn Yeast of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, filled the stat sheet with 7 points, 8 rebounds and a block. Peyton Ilderton of Logan, West Virginia, and Aarionna Redman of Pickerington, Ohio, each added 9 points. Leyocha Marigney of Fresno, California, made her presence felt on the boards in just nine minutes of play, grabbing 7 rebounds.

The game was a departure from recent form for both teams. Marshall entered the contest on a three-game winning streak, including an 81-70 victory over IU Indy and an 85-54 road win at South Carolina Upstate. Morehead State, meanwhile, snapped a two-game skid that included a 73-60 home loss to Eastern Kentucky.

The Eagles’ victory also defied pregame projections, as statistical models heavily favored the visiting Thundering Herd.

Marshall will look to rebound on the road Wednesday against Coppin State. Morehead State continues its homestand Wednesday against in-state rival Murray State.