In a matchup that marked the 152nd meeting between the Murray State Racers and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, the Racers experienced an 86-81 loss at the CFSB Center in Murray, Kentucky. This encounter, the first between the teams since 2014, showcased intense competition and high-stakes basketball.The Racers, with a record of 2-1, now turn their attention to the upcoming challenge on the road. Their journey continues at the Ft. Myers Tip-Off, where they are set to face UNCW on Monday at 12:30 p.m. CT.
Rob Perry Leads the Charge
Rob Perry played a pivotal role for the Racers, contributing 21 points in the game. He led a quartet of Racers who achieved double-figure scoring. JaCobi Wood added 14 points, Brian Moore, Jr. scored 13, and Shawn Walker, Jr. secured 10 points.
Dramatic Second-Half Rally
Trailing 43-34 at halftime, the Racers launched a compelling comeback in the second half. A 6-0 run, initiated by a three-pointer from JaCobi Wood assisted by Rob Perry, set the tone. The MSU defense held the Hilltoppers scoreless in the initial seven possessions, allowing the Racers to tie the game 43-43 with a three-pointer from Shawn Walker, Jr. at the 16:02 mark.A pivotal three-pointer by Malek Abdelgowad marked the beginning of a 14-0 run, propelling the Racers to a 46-43 lead at 14:55. The seesaw battle continued, with the last time the Racers held the lead occurring at the 4:29 mark, courtesy of a pair of free throws from Rob Perry for a 70-69 advantage.Despite Perry’s efforts, tying the game at 74-74 with 2:31 remaining, Western Kentucky managed to secure the win. The Hilltoppers went a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line in the final segment, contributing to their flawless 17-of-17 effort in the second half.
Notable Game Facts
- This game marked the 152nd meeting between the Racers and WKU, initiating a four-year series with each team playing at home twice.The Racers and WKU have crossed paths 24 times in non-conference games, with MSU claiming victory in 13 of those encounters.A crowd of 5,677 enthusiastic fans witnessed the intense battle at the CFSB Center.JaCobi Wood inched closer to the coveted 1,000-point career milestone, currently boasting 920 points.Newcomer Malek Abdelgowad, in his first significant action for the Racers, made an impact with five points and six rebounds in 11 minutes.
Despite the setback against Western Kentucky, the Racers are poised to rebound and showcase their prowess in upcoming clashes. They are set to participate in two challenging matchups in Fort Myers next week, facing UNCW on Monday and Appalachian State on Wednesday at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena, the home court of Florida SouthWestern State College
