(DES MOINES, Iowa) — Halli Poock converted a driving layup with 2.9 seconds left on the clock, capping a dramatic fourth-quarter rally that lifted Murray State to an 89-88 road victory over Drake at the Knapp Center on Sunday.
The Racers (17-3, 8-1 MVC) erased an 11-point deficit entering the final period to secure their second consecutive win over Drake this season and maintain their position atop the Missouri Valley Conference standings.
Poock led all scorers with 26 points while distributing six assists in the comeback effort. The performance marked another dominant outing for the guard, who has posted at least 20 points in eight of nine conference contests this season.
Murray State appeared poised for a comfortable win after building a three-point halftime advantage at 44-41. Drake seized momentum in the third period, however, outpacing the visitors 31-17 to establish a commanding lead heading into the final 10 minutes.
The Racers regrouped and dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring Drake 28-19 to complete the comeback. Sharnecce Currie-Jelks provided a steady presence in the post, recording 18 points on six-of-10 shooting and pulling down nine rebounds. Haven Ford contributed 17 points, while Keslyn Secrist delivered crucial baskets late after securing offensive rebounds.
Murray State’s precision at the free-throw line proved decisive, as the team converted 25 of 29 attempts. Currie-Jelks and Secrist combined for a perfect 14-of-14 from the charity stripe.
The victory represents Murray State’s second double-digit second-half comeback of the season and their first season sweep of Drake since joining the Valley. The Racers now hold a half-game lead over Belmont in the conference race. Murray State hosts SIU Thursday night at 6 p.m.
PHOTO COURTESY-Clay Wagoner, MSU Athletics
