Murray State used a 16-0 late-game run to break open a tight game a
nd defeat Austin Peay State University, 69-53, in Ohio Valley Conference action, Saturday night, in Dave Aaron Arena.
The victory improved Murray State to 13-3 overall and 5-0 in the OVC. Meanwhile, the Governors slip to 9-9 overall and 3-3 in the OVC. It was only Murray State’s third win in Clarksville since 1997 and first since 2006.
The Racers used suffocating defense to hold APSU to just 33.3 percent (13 of 33) shooting. In fact, the 13 field goals were the fewest by the Governors since making only 13 field goals at Illinois in 2006.
Despite all APSU’s offensive woes, it was a two-point game, 53-51, with 5:17 left. Guard B.J. Jenkins then missed a jumper but the Governors failed to get a block out and Jenkins grabbed his own rebound.
At that point Murray State called timeout and on the ensuing inbounds play, Jenkins nailed a three pointer with 4:28 remaining to make it a five-point game. That started the Racer run that was aided by four Governors turnovers—they ended with 17—and four missed shots.
APSU ended the run with 31 seconds left on a Wes Channels layup. By then it was too late.
Channels led the Governors with 14 points while Anthony Campbell added 12. The duo combined for 7-of-17 from the floor, but the remaining Govs were only 6 of 22. John Fraley added 10 points as did Caleb Brown. Only strong free-free throw shooting (25 of 27) kept the Governors in the contest as long as they were.
Murray State led by as much as 11 points in the first half and held a 31-23 halftime advantage. APSU trailed by as much as 11 in the early stages of the second half before starting its push to get back in the game. A conventional three-point play by Fraley and then two free throws by Tyrone Caldwell brought APSU within two. But that was before Murray State made its final charge.
Jenkins led the Racers with 14 points and five assists while Isacc Miles added 12 and Isaiah Canaan 11.
Murray State shot 47.7 percent (21 of 44) from the floor, including five three pointers, and also were strong from the free-throw line (22 of 28/78.6 percent).
