The Indiana women’s basketball team returned to action on Friday night, defeating the Murray State Racers 112-79. After a loss to Stanford, the Indiana women’s basketball team tried to get back into the rhythm of the offense as they had a great game with six players scoring in double figures.
Fifth-year guard Sara Scalia scored a team-high 22 points for the Indians, while forward Mackenzie Holmes, an All-American graduate, had 20 points and 10 rebounds for her first double-double of the season. Holmes’ dominance inside contributed greatly to Indiana’s 64 points in the game.
When Murray State threatened to rally, Indiana responded decisively. Senior guard Chloe Moore-McNeil scored 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting in her final game, while sophomore guard Aaden Garzon contributed 14 points in just 21 minutes of action.
Sophomore guard Lexus Bageser scored a career-high 24 minutes in place of injured senior guard Sidney Parrish. Bageser scored 12 points in extended playing time. Sophomore forward Lilly Mesiter made it to double figures with 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting.
Murray State struggled to match Indiana’s offensive firepower, as they shot poorly from the two- and three-point line. The Clippers attempted 34 three-pointers, making five in the first half alone. They were 29-of-71 from 3-point range for the game.
Indiana head coach Terri Moran was pleased with her team’s offensive performance, but was concerned about their defensive lapses. She gave her team a “C” grade for their defensive performance, emphasizing the need for better communication, urgency and aggression.
Moore-McNeil played a key role in motivating her teammates when she noted the team’s lack of toughness after the Stanford loss. Moran praised her senior guard’s leadership and tenacity.
Indiana State will look to extend its winning streak when it takes on Lipscomb on Sunday at 2 p.m. on Big Ten+.