Cape Girardeau, MO – No. 19 Murray State (28-2) has simply refused to lose an OVC game this year. They keep finding different ways to win whether it be in dominant fashion or rallying late.
Despite trailing by twelve points with 6:32 remaining, Murray State rallied to beat Southeastern Missouri (13-16) 70-68. KJ Williams was brilliant yet again as he scored a game-high 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds. With the win, the Racers finish their final regular season in the OVC with a perfect 18-0 record. Murray State will make the move from the OVC to the MVC next season.
Murray State’s previous two road games followed the same formula as their game on Saturday at the Show Me Center. They would find themselves down late, but somehow, someway, find a way to win. Matt McMahon’s team simply refused to lose.
SEMO had the formula for the upset as they made big shots and were able to grow their lead to as much as 12 points, their lead stood there with less than six minutes to play. The formula was there, but then the Juice was set loose.
Murray State point guard Juice Hill scored nine points over the final 2:57 to help the Racers escape the Show Me Center with a huge win. Hill hit a corner three with just 39 seconds remaining to give Murray State a 68-65 lead. It was the first lead for Murray State since the nine-minute mark of the first half.
Hill finished with 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Murray State got a huge boost from Trae Hannibal off the bench. When things weren’t going great for the Racers in the second half, Hannibal was a sure hand. Hannibal finished with 20 points and five rebounds off the bench, providing a nice spark for the Racers.
To go along with the big game from Williams, Hill, and Hannibal, Tevin Brown scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds.
That foursome combined for 69 of Murray State’s 70 points, the only other point coming off a DJ Burn’s free throw. That formula completed an undefeated conference schedule for Murray State.
Upset Formula Fails
SEMO did so many good things as they hosted the No. 19 team in the country on Saturday. The Redhawks were able to knock down 50% of their shots from the floor and made 10/25 shots from deep. All while Murray State shot just 43.3% from the field and 5/20 from deep.
SEMO was even able to control the boards 32-30.
It was fitting that on Senior Day, senior Manny Patterson would finish with a double-double. Patterson scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Phillip Russell added another 10 points for the Redhawks.
Murray State was able to force 17 SEMO turnovers, which turned out to be a huge difference-maker.
There is a good chance that these teams could see one another again in next week’s OVC Tournament.
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