(MURRAY, Ky.) – The Murray State Racers continued their dominant season Saturday afternoon, defeating the Valparaiso Beacons 92-79 at the CFSB Center to extend their winning streak to 11 games.
The victory improved Murray State’s record to 15-3 overall and kept them perfect in Missouri Valley Conference play at 7-0. The Racers have not lost at home this season, maintaining an unblemished 11-game winning streak at the CFSB Center.
Javon Jackson led the offensive charge with 21 points, marking his eighth 20-point performance of the season. The guard converted six of his 12 field goal attempts and was nearly flawless at the charity stripe, making seven of eight free throws.
Roman Domon contributed 18 points on efficient shooting, connecting on six of eight attempts from the floor. Brayden Shorter provided crucial outside shooting with 17 points, draining five three-pointers in 10 attempts. Fred King secured his fourth double-double as a Racer with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Murray State built a nine-point halftime advantage at 45-36 after Shorter connected on a three-pointer in the final seconds of the opening period. The Racers extended their cushion to 12 points with eight minutes remaining before Valparaiso mounted a late rally, cutting the deficit to four points with less than four minutes to play.
Jackson and Domon took control down the stretch, combining to score the team’s final 15 points and securing the conference victory. The Racers’ defensive effort produced 10 steals, just one shy of their season high.
Murray State now holds a perfect 8-0 record against Valparaiso in conference competition and leads the all-time series 9-3. The team will enjoy a week off before returning to action January 17 against Indiana State during Hall of Fame Weekend at the CFSB Center.
PHOTO-David Eaton
