MIDWAY, Ky. - The women's basketball team delivered a strong wire-to-wire performance, defeating West Virginia Tech 86-68 behind balanced scoring, defensive pressure and consistent execution across all four quarters.  

The Eagles took this energy into the second quarter, continuing to get the paint touches, coupled with complementary 3-point shots. Jacie Chesser scored several paint scores, while Annabelle Babb and A'Lyrica Hughes drained the 3-pointers. Midway's defensive pressure led to several turnovers, creating easy scoring opportunities. The Eagles went into the halftime break leading 55-38.  

It was another great for Hughes, the reigning River States Conference Player of the Week, as she had a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double while also leading all players with four steals, as the Eagles forced 22 turnovers that led to 26 points. 

Midway continued to play with concentration after the break, countering WVU Tech's early third-quarter surge with its offense and defense. Morgan Cross scored effectively around the goal, while Alexys Moore and Trinity Johnson pushed the pace on the fast break. The Eagles prevented second-chance scoring with their rebounding and shot-blocking, continuing to play with control in the quarters to build a 73-57 lead with one quarter remaining.  

During the fourth quarter, the Eagles showed composure and maturity in their handling of the game and also continued to share the ball around. Moore scored from the field and the line to increase their lead to a point difference of 20. The midpoint rotation of players in the late stages helped to mark their win.  

Moore was just behind Hughes with 16 points while Cross added 15 off the bench. 

With this win, the Eagles have won five in a row, improving to 14-5 overall and 5-2 in the RSC. They are scheduled to travel to Oakland City (Ind.) for a 1 p.m. game Saturday, though the date could be changed due to a strong winter storm in the forecast.