MURRAY, Ky. (Interstat) — The Murray State Racers used a dominant first-half performance to build a substantial lead and then withstood a furious second-half rally from the UAB Blazers to secure a 91-79 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at the CFSB Center.

A crowd of 1,612 watched as the Racers improved to 4-2 on the young season, while the Blazers fell to 2-3.

The game was effectively decided in the opening twenty minutes, as Murray State came out with explosive offensive force. The Racers raced to a 29-point first quarter, spearheaded by the interior presence of Sharnecce Currie-Jelks and the all-around play of Haven Ford. UAB, despite a strong 19-point opening period of its own, found itself in a 10-point hole after just ten minutes.

The second quarter saw more of the same, with Murray State extending its lead. The Racers outscored the Blazers 25-13 in the frame, taking a commanding 54-32 advantage into the halftime break. The Blazers struggled to find consistent offense against a swarming Murray State defense.

UAB emerged from the locker room with renewed energy, staging a dramatic third-quarter comeback. The Blazers exploded for 32 points in the period, nearly erasing the large deficit. Monae Duffy and Eleecia Carter led the charge, attacking the basket and capitalizing on transition opportunities. UAB’s pressuring defense forced several Murray State turnovers, fueling the offensive surge and cutting the lead to single digits.

However, the Racers managed to steady themselves in the fourth quarter. Every time UAB threatened to close the gap completely, Murray State answered with a critical basket. Ford and Currie-Jelks, along with key contributions from Keslyn Secrist, made enough plays down the stretch to keep the Blazers at bay and secure the double-digit victory.

Monae Duffy of UAB led all scorers with 26 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in a valiant effort. Eleecia Carter added 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Journey Armstead facilitated the offense with eight assists to go with 13 points.

Murray State’s victory was a product of a balanced and powerful offensive attack. Haven Ford from Morehead, Kentucky, stuffed the stat sheet with 24 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Sharnecce Currie-Jelks of Jackson, Tennessee, was a force inside, recording a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Keslyn Secrist of Draper, Virginia, also notched a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

UAB will look to rebound in the Cancún Challenge, facing Southern Mississippi on November 27 and Texas Christian on November 28. Murray State travels to the Daytona Beach Invitational, where it will play George Mason on November 28 and Boston College on November 29.