(NASSAU, The Bahamas)-The Murray State Racers kicked off their three-game exhibition series in the Bahamas Summer League with an impressive 103-77 triumph over the Calgary Dinos at Nassau’s Baha Mar Resort Convention Center.
Forward Fred King delivered a commanding performance in his homecoming to the Bahamas, recording a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds to pace the Racers’ balanced offensive attack. Four other Murray State players reached double figures, with JJ Traynor and Lachlan Crate each contributing 15 points, followed by Brayden Shorter’s 11 points and Mason Miller’s 10.
The Racers seized control early, using a decisive 15-2 scoring run to build a commanding 56-28 halftime advantage. Murray State’s dominance continued in the second half, extending their lead to as much as 32 points with 16:17 remaining on the clock.
Key Performance Highlights
King’s homecoming proved memorable as he shot efficiently from the field (9-13 FG) and the free-throw line (5-6 FT) while also dishing out three assists. Crate turned in a flawless shooting performance, connecting on all seven of his field goal attempts, including a three-pointer.
Murray State controlled the glass throughout the contest, outrebounding Calgary 44-23, and demonstrated excellent ball movement by assisting on 19 of their 27 field goals. After a slow start from beyond the arc (4-16 in the first half), the Racers found their rhythm in the second half, knocking down 5-of-11 three-point attempts.
The team’s most dominant stretch came during a period spanning the end of the first half and beginning of the second, when Murray State held the Dinos to just 2-of-14 shooting while converting 10-of-14 of their own attempts.
Looking Ahead
The Racers will continue their Bahamas exhibition schedule Tuesday morning when they face Elite Raw Talent at 10 a.m. CT (11 a.m. ET). The game will be streamed live on YouTube, with video links and live statistics available on the team’s official men’s basketball schedule page.
PHOTO: Murray State’s Fred King drives against the University of Calgary defense. Courtesy of MSU Athletics