Poock's Clutch Free Throws Lift Murray State Past UIC, 78-76

Murray State women's basketball team escapes Chicago with a narrow victory over UIC in a game that came down to the final seconds.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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In a thrilling finish at Credit Union 1 Arena, the Murray State women's basketball team defeated UIC 78-76 on Thursday night. Halli Poock stepped to the free-throw line with one second remaining and knocked down all three shots to give the Racers the victory. Poock finished with a game-high 38 points, while UIC's Julia Coleman and Jessica Carrothers combined for 59 points in a losing effort.

Why it matters

This win keeps Murray State's record-setting regular season alive as they improve to 27-3 overall and 18-1 in Missouri Valley Conference play. The game featured high drama and clutch plays down the stretch, showcasing the competitiveness of the conference and the poise of veteran players like Poock in crunch time.

The details

Murray State led for much of the contest but could never pull away from a scrappy UIC squad. The game was tied ten times and the lead changed hands ten times, with UIC seizing control in the third quarter and pushing its advantage to as many as six in the fourth. Down 74-72 with just over a minute remaining, Poock buried a go-ahead three-pointer to knot the game at 74. After Murray State grabbed the lead, Carrothers answered with a layup to put UIC up 76-75 with seven seconds left. That's when Poock was fouled and made all three free throws to give Murray State the victory.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
  • Murray State has one regular season game remaining on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • The Missouri Valley Conference Tournament is scheduled for next week in Coralville, Iowa.

The players

Halli Poock

A star guard for the Murray State Racers who finished the game with a game-high 38 points, including the game-winning free throws in the final seconds.

Julia Coleman

A standout player for UIC who poured in 32 points on 15-of-20 shooting and added 3 blocks.

Jessica Carrothers

UIC's other star player who recorded 27 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals in the losing effort.

Rechelle Turner

The head coach of the Murray State Racers who praised Poock's veteran leadership and clutch performance.

Sharnecce Currie-Jelks

A Murray State player who contributed 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals in the victory.

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What they’re saying

“That's a veteran player making veteran plays.”

— Rechelle Turner, Murray State Head Coach (marshallcountydaily.com)

What’s next

Murray State heads into Indiana on Saturday afternoon to take on Valparaiso in their final regular season contest. After that game, the focus will turn to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament next week in Coralville, Iowa.

The takeaway

This thrilling victory showcases the competitiveness of the Missouri Valley Conference and the poise of veteran players like Halli Poock in crunch time. Murray State's ability to win a close game on the road against a tough UIC squad bodes well for their chances in the upcoming conference tournament.