(MURRAY, Ky.) — The Murray State Racers launched their Missouri Valley Conference season with an 81-72 triumph over Drake on Thursday night, marking their fourth consecutive conference-opening victory since joining the league.
Playing before a home crowd at the CFSB Center, the Racers improved to 9-3 overall while extending their winning streaks to five games and eight consecutive home victories. Murray State will look to continue its momentum Sunday afternoon when it travels to face Valparaiso at 1 p.m. Central.
Fred King led the charge with 16 points and 11 rebounds for his second double-double in a Racers uniform. Layne Taylor contributed 15 points, while Javon Jackson added 11 and Mason Miller chipped in 10. Taylor and Miller proved dangerous from beyond the arc, connecting on six of the team’s nine three-pointers.
The game’s turning point came midway through the opening half. After trailing by one point with under eight minutes remaining, Murray State seized control with a decisive 13-4 scoring surge. King capped the run with an offensive rebound and putback, energizing the home crowd.
The Racers maintained their advantage through halftime, taking a 36-30 lead into the locker room after Brayden Shorter knocked down a corner three-pointer off a King assist with 3:22 left in the period.
Murray State put the game away late in the second half when King delivered back-to-back highlight plays. He first converted a driving reverse layup with just over three minutes remaining, then added a three-point play on the ensuing possession to push the lead to 74-62 with 2:15 on the clock.
The Racers’ defense was equally impressive, limiting the Bulldogs to a season-low three three-pointers on just nine attempts. Murray State’s free throw advantage also proved crucial, as the home team outscored Drake 26-17 from the charity stripe.
The victory improved Murray State’s record to 9-2 when scoring 80 or more points this season. All four of the program’s MVC opening wins have come on their home court since joining the conference in 2022.
