Murray State
Samford
Racers held to 20 second-half points as Samford claims 55-47 win
1/13/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
The Murray State Racers started strongly in its Ohio Valley Conference game at Samford, shooting 63.2 percent from the floor in the first half, but Samford's defense held MSU to 20 second-half points, enabling the Bulldogs to take the 55-47 win in Birmingham.
The Racers (7-6, 2-1 OVC) made 12 of its 19 first-half shots from the field, taking a 27-24 lead at halftime. The Bulldogs (8-6, 3-0 OVC) shot 57.9 percent (11-for-19) in the second half, holding MSU to 8-for-19 shooting (42.1 percent) in the latter period.
Both teams shot better than 50 percent in the game, with Murray State making 52.6 percent from the field (20-for-38), while Samford hit 51.4 percent (19-for-37). While the Racers out-rebounded the Bulldogs 26-15, MSU had 18 turnovers to Samford's nine.
Murray State was led by Darnell Hopkins' co-game-high 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting from the field. Keith Jenifer added 10 points for MSU.
Shawn Witherspoon pulled down a co-game-high six rebounds, while Issian Redding had five. Trey Pearson handed out a game-high four assists for the Racers.
Samford was paced by Robert Merritt's 18 points, three assists and four steals. Jerry Smith added 12 points and six rebounds, while Brian Boerjan put in 11 points.
Murray State continues its road swing with a game at Jacksonville State. Game time is set for Saturday at 7 p.m.
