HALDEMAN, Ky. (Interstat) — A dominant first-half performance by Morehead State proved too much for South Carolina Upstate to overcome as the Eagles secured a 78-64 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at E.T. Johnson Arena.

The Eagles, fueled by a torrent of three-point shooting and a stifling defensive effort, erupted for 51 points in the first half, building a commanding 26-point lead by intermission. The Spartans mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the second half, outscoring Morehead State 34-27 after the break, but the early deficit was ultimately insurmountable.

Morehead State’s offense was firing on all cylinders in the opening quarters, scoring 25 points in the first and 26 in the second. The Eagles connected on 12 three-pointers for the game, with Laura Toffali and Kate Dike providing the primary offensive firepower. The Spartans, conversely, were plagued by turnovers, committing 21 miscues that led to 13 steals for the opportunistic Eagles defense.

Cassie Gallagher of South Carolina Upstate delivered a spectacular individual performance in the losing effort. The guard from Cookeville, Tenn., poured in a game-high 35 points, including five three-pointers, while logging 37 minutes on the court. Her scoring outburst kept the Spartans within striking distance during their second-half push.

Morehead State’s victory was a balanced team effort. Laura Toffali, a guard from Villasanta, Italy, scored 20 points and was a disruptive force on defense. Kate Dike, a 6-foot-3 forward from Kyiv, Ukraine, added 18 points and controlled the glass. The Eagles’ offense was expertly orchestrated by point guard Marie Sepp of Tallin, Estonia, who dished out 10 assists to go along with seven points. Violet McNece of Chesterfield, Mo., also reached double figures with 13 points.

The Spartans’ Aijah Palmore from Greensboro, N.C., provided a secondary scoring option with 10 points. Kinley Paterson of Perth, Australia, facilitated the offense with a team-high five assists.

Statistically, the game was decided by efficiency and ball security. While both teams made 24 field goals, Morehead State attempted seven more shots, a direct result of their 13 offensive rebounds and the 21 Spartan turnovers. The Eagles also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 18 of 23 attempts compared to South Carolina Upstate’s 8-of-14 performance. The Eagles also recorded a significant advantage in assists, 13 to 3, highlighting their superior ball movement.

The win improves Morehead State’s season record to 2-3, while South Carolina Upstate falls to 2-5. The Spartans will look to rebound on Tuesday when they host Montreat. Morehead State returns to action Wednesday for a home game against Eastern Kentucky.