By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

SHAWNEE — Murray State started red hot while Northern's Lady Mavs were in the freezer on their shot in the first half which resulted in a 30-point halftime deficit and the Lady Mavs could never climb out of that deep hole as Murray won the first round of the NJCAA Region II Tournament on the OBU campus Thursday, 75-58.

Murray shot a sizzling 65.7 percent from the field (23-of-35) in the first half, which resulted in a 51-21 lead over the Northern women, who shot dismal 25.7 percent (9-of-33). Northern managed just two of 14 three-point shots.

Heavy defensive pressure by Murray also contributed to Northern's poor performance. The Lady Mavs committed 10 turnovers in the first half. Murray also outrebounded Northern 23-14 in the first half.

Also, Northern had no answer for Murray's 6-0 Esther Timmerman who had 12 points in the first half.

The Lady Mavericks warmed up in the second half and played better defense, cutting Murray's lead to 19 points (59-40) in the second half, but could get no closer.

Northern finished shooting just 25.7 percent (19-of-74) and were just 7-of-34 from behind the arc

Celeste Smith, Lillian Price and Erin Roush each had 11 points to pace Northern's scoring.

Ayanne Jackson finished with 15 points for Murray white Timmerman and Jamee Harry each has 14.

The loss ended the Lady Mavericks' season.

MURRAY STATE 75

NORTHERN 58

Northern 21 37 — 58

Murray 51 24— 75

Northern — LaTisha Rogers 11, Lillian Prince 11, Erin Roush 11, Chelsi Virden 7, Tiffany Hall 5, Liberty Payne 4Tori Funkhouer 4,Carmella Thompson 3, Victoria Russell 2.

Murray — Ayanna Jackson 15, Jamee Harry 14, Esther Timmerman 14, Jessica Lankston 9, Jalissa Council 6, KacyMorrison 5, Devin Robbins 5, Maria Baca 4, Megan Moore 3