Racers Falter Late In Loss At Illinois State

Sunday, December 13

Normal, Ill.

3 p.m.

Murray State

5-5

Illinois State

4-6

MURRAY STATE

ILLINOIS STATE

Photo by: Dave Winder-Murray State Athletics

12/13/2015 2:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

The Murray State Racers lost a tight contest Sunday in a 63-61 defeat against Illinois State at Redbird Arena in Normal, Illinois.

The Racers fell to 5-5, while ISU is now 4-6.

With the game tied 49-49 with 7:39 remaining, MSU was set for another day in which a play here or there would decide the victor. The Racers had just gotten a 3-point basket from Damarcus Croaker to take their final lead of the game.

Twice, the Racers had possession to take the lead, but a pair of turnovers led to ISU baskets and a 59-54 lead for the home team with 2:51 left.

Bryce Jones banked in a 3-pointer with 16 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to two points. MSU fouled and ISU missed both free throws to set the Racers up with a chance to win the game. They maneuvered into the front court where Jeffery Moss got off a contested 3-pointer for the win, but it rimmed off and the Racers were on the short end of the score.

Wayne Langston led the way for the Racers with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Jones and Croaker each added 12 points to the MSU attack.

MSU led 31-26 at halftime and missed on some chances to stretch the lead to double-digits at the outset of the second half.

The Racers won the rebound battle 38-33.

MSU is back at home Friday to host the Southern Illinois Salukis at 7 p.m.

Game Notes
Wayne Langston scored his third double-double of the season and third in the last four games. His 12 rebounds tonight tie his career-high. He also had 12 at Tulsa last March and this season at home against Alabama A&M.

MSU's plus-5 advantage on the glass was their second in nine D-I games this season and their first since they beat Weber State by two.

The Racers have played five games in which the winner was decided by five or less points. MSU has won three.

MSU is now 3-2 this season when they have the halftime lead.

Jeffery Moss has hit a 3-pointer in all 10 games this season.

Today's game was Murray State's first visit to Redbird Arena and the third game with ISU. MSU won last season and in 1971 at home.

In a game that saw limited free throw attempts for each team, the Racers only went to the line once in the second half and three for the game. ISU went to the line 12 times and hit three.

The Racers are back on the floor Friday when they welcome the Southern Illinois Salukis to the CFSB Center for the 33^rd meeting between the two. The Racers have won the last two games with a 2013 victory at home and 2014 in Carbondale.