HALDEMAN, Ky. (Interstat) — The Morehead State Eagles used a dominant first half to build a substantial lead and held off a second-half push from the South Carolina Upstate Spartans to secure a 78-64 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at E.T. Johnson Arena.

The Eagles established control early, exploding for 51 points in the first half. They outscored the Spartans 25-10 in the opening quarter and extended their lead with a 26-point second quarter. The Spartans found their footing after halftime, matching the Eagles with 20 points in the third quarter and winning the fourth quarter 16-11, but the first-half deficit proved too large to overcome.

Cassie Gallagher of South Carolina Upstate delivered a standout individual performance in the losing effort, scoring a game-high 35 points. She shot efficiently from beyond the arc, making eight of the Spartans’ 12 three-pointers. Aijah Palmore provided secondary scoring for Upstate with 10 points.

Morehead State’s offense was a more balanced and collaborative effort. Laura Toffali led the Eagles with 20 points, while Kate Dike added 18 and Violet McNece scored 13. The Eagles’ ball movement was a key factor, as point guard Marie Sepp orchestrated the offense with a double-double of 10 assists and seven points.

The statistical sheet underscored the Eagles’ all-around team performance. They forced 21 Spartan turnovers, converting them into numerous transition opportunities, and recorded 13 steals compared to Upstate’s three. Morehead State also capitalized on its trips to the free-throw line, making 18 of 23 attempts, while the Spartans connected on just 8 of 14.

With the win, Morehead State evened its season record at 2-3. South Carolina Upstate fell to 2-5 with the loss. An announced crowd of 310 attended the game.

South Carolina Upstate will look to rebound when it hosts Montreat on Tuesday. Morehead State returns to action Wednesday for a home game against Eastern Kentucky.