This week's Murney Student-Athlete of the Week is Missouri State women's basketball player Kennedy Taylor. The sophomore and first-year Lady Bear had a career day off the bench in MSU’s lone game of the week, a nine-point victory over UT Martin. Taylor set a career high with 23 points and three steals against the Skyhawks, while going 8-for-13 (.615) from the field and 7-for-10 (.700) from the free throw line in just under 22 minutes on the floor. She also pulled down seven rebounds, including a game-high tying four offensive boards. Taylor was vital for the Lady Bears in a crucial second half that saw MSU extend and maintain its lead over UTM for the victory, as she scored 19 of her 23 points after halftime (6-for-11 FG, 7-for-10 FT in second half). She became MSU’s first 20-point scorer on the season and was responsible for all but four of Missouri State’s 27 points off the bench. Taylor ranks second in the MVC in offensive rebounds per game (3.5) and set career highs in points, steals, field goals, field goal attempts, free throws and free throw attempts versus UTM.
