MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The LeMoyne-Owen College women's basketball team gained valuable early-season experience against NCAA Division I opponent Middle Tennessee State University, falling 112-48 in an exhibition contest at the Murphy Center.

    Despite the final score, the Lady Magicians displayed moments of promise against a talented Middle Tennessee squad, including a competitive opening quarter, strong individual performances and opportunities to build chemistry ahead of the 2026-27 season.

    Competing without a couple of key contributors, LeMoyne Owen entered the match-up with a shortened rotation but embraced the opportunity to test itself against Division I competition.

    The Lady Magicians came out with confidence, putting together a strong offensive showing in the opening period. LOC scored 19 first-quarter points and briefly held a five-point advantage before Middle Tennessee closed the quarter with a 25-19 lead.

    The opening 10 minutes provided an encouraging glimpse of LOC's offensive potential, as the Lady Magicians demonstrated their ability to compete against a higher-division opponent.

    Taylor Henry led the Lady Magicians offensively with a team-high 9 points, connecting on an impressive 3-of-5 attempts from beyond the arc. Henry's perimeter shooting provided an offensive spark and highlighted LOC's ability to stretch the floor.

    Shinae Howard-Johnson contributed 7 points and a team-high 6 rebounds, including 5 offensive boards, giving the Lady Magicians a presence on the glass.

    Makaia Smith added 7 points and 1 assist, while La'Monnie Owens chipped in 6 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal. Ke'Sonja Nelson also finished with 6 points and a team-high 4 steals, and Serena Lee contributed 6 points and 3 rebounds as well.

    Collectively, the Lady Magicians recorded 8 steals and forced 17 Middle Tennessee turnovers. LOC also generated 15 points off turnovers, showcasing flashes of the defensive pressure and intensity the team hopes to establish throughout the season.

    Middle Tennessee eventually pulled away behind its offensive efficiency and depth, shooting 48.7 percent from the field and receiving 53 points from its bench. The Blue Raiders outscored LOC 28-8 in the second quarter and 32-3 in the third, creating a deficit the Lady Magicians could not overcome.

    However, LOC continued battling and responded with 18 fourth-quarter points, its second-highest scoring period of the evening. The late offensive production provided another positive takeaway as the Lady Magicians competed through the final buzzer.

    While the exhibition presented challenges, particularly with several key pieces unavailable, it also provided valuable opportunities for other members of the roster to gain meaningful minutes and experience against high-level competition.

    With the return of those contributors and continued development of team chemistry, the Lady Magicians will look to build upon the encouraging moments from Tuesday's contest as they prepare for their upcoming home schedule.

Up Next: Homecoming Doubleheader Against Fisk University

    The Lady Magicians will return to Memphis this Saturday, October 24, as LeMoyne Owen College celebrates Homecoming with a basketball doubleheader against Fisk University.

    The women's team will tip off at 5:00 p.m., followed by the men's basketball team taking the floor at 7:00 p.m.

    Both contests will be played on LOC's home floor as the Magicians and Lady Magicians look to deliver an exciting Homecoming experience for students, alumni and supporters.