The Murray State Racers mens basketball started off the new year home win 85-73 over the UIC Flames.
The Murray State Racers (5-9) are set to continue their journey in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) with a crucial matchup against the Evansville Purple Aces. As they venture to the Ford Center in Evansville, the Racers are in search of their first road win of the season in this pivotal 1 p.m. clash.
Here’s a breakdown of the recent action and what to watch for in the upcoming game:
- Recent Success:
- Coming off a 2-1 start in the MVC, the Racers showcased their offensive prowess in a balanced effort against UIC. Brian Moore, Jr., led the charge with an impressive 20-point performance, complemented by notable contributions from JaCobi Wood (17 points, five assists), Rob Perry (14 points), Alden Applewhite (14 points), and Quincy Anderson (11 points).
- Crucial Run for Separation:
- After a 43-43 halftime tie, the Racers engineered a decisive 7-0 run, spearheaded by JaCobi Wood. Wood’s sharpshooting, including a 3-pointer and slick drives to the rim, propelled the Racers to a 67-57 lead with 8:00 remaining. Key plays, including Applewhite’s steal and dunk and Perry’s 3-pointer, secured a comfortable 78-66 advantage with 3:21 left.
- Free Throw Prowess:
- The Racers strategically countered UIC’s first-half barrage of nine 3-pointers by capitalizing on free throws, making an impressive 14-of-16 from the charity stripe. This resilience allowed them to maintain control in a closely contested game.
- Notable Performances and Milestones:
- Brian Moore, Jr., had a standout night, contributing 20 points, marking the first 20-point bench game for a Murray State player since last season against UIC.
- Alden Applewhite showcased his versatility, pouring in 34 points off the bench, contributing significantly to the team’s season-high 39 bench points.
- Sam Murray stepped up admirably, recording a career-high eight rebounds in a solid performance.
- Quincy Anderson continued his impressive free throw streak, hitting 15 in a row, while JaCobi Wood maintained an exceptional scoring run in the last two games.
- Looking Ahead:
- The Racers’ defensive efforts in the last two games have been noteworthy, limiting opponents’ 3-point shooting. With wins over Bradley and UIC and a competitive loss to Illinois State, the Racers are looking to extend their positive momentum.
As the Racers face Evansville on the road, their resilient performance against UIC and the balanced offensive display set the stage for an exciting MVC showdown. With an eye on their defensive strategy and key players in top form, the Racers aim to secure a crucial road win in the Ford Center. Follow Murray State on social media for real-time updates, and stay tuned as they navigate the challenges of MVC competition.
