(MURRAY, Ky.) – Murray State used a strong first-half performance and clutch late-game execution to defeat UIC 81-74 Tuesday night at CFSB Center in front of 4,840 fans.
The Racers (17-7, 9-4 MVC) built a double-digit lead in the opening half and withstood several second-half comeback attempts from the Flames (13-11, 8-5 MVC) to secure their 10th conference victory of the season.
Roman Domon paced Murray State with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, adding eight rebounds and three assists. Fredrick King dominated inside with a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds while shooting 6-of-9 from the field.
“We got contributions from everyone tonight,” said a Murray State spokesperson. “Roman and Fredrick set the tone inside, and our guards did a great job managing the game.”
Javon Jackson added 14 points, six assists, and six rebounds in 35 minutes, while Layne Taylor provided an early spark with 11 points, including three triples in the first half.
Murray State shot 46.7% from the field and converted 16-of-22 free throws (72.7%). The Racers held a 45-38 rebounding advantage and scored 34 points in the paint.
UIC’s Rashund Washington Jr. led all scorers with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Ahmad Henderson II added 20 points off the bench. The Flames shot 40.3% from the field but couldn’t overcome Murray State’s balanced scoring attack.
The Racers led 40-33 at halftime and pushed the advantage to as many as 16 points in the second half before UIC mounted a late rally, cutting the deficit to three points with under a minute remaining. Clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch sealed the victory for Murray State.
Friday, Murray State will travel to Carbondale to face SIU at 7 p.m.
PHOTO: DAVID EATON, MSU ATHLETICS
