The Murray State Racers never would go away, but in the end the Tigers were too much as they improve to 8-1 following a 75-64 win Saturday evening at Mizzou Arena.
The Tigers started out red hot jumping out to a 14-4 lead thanks in part to two three-pointers by Matt Lawrence. Murray State kept battling in the first half using two runs to stay close and grab the lead with 8:08 to go in the half.
The Racers cut the Tiger lead to two with an 8-0 run. The Tiger quickly responded with six points to go up 20-12 at the two minute mark, but sloppy play led to nine unanswered points to go up 21-20.
Mike Anderson called a timeout and the Tigers exploded. Leo Lyons hit a three pointer and a steal and layout by Marcus Denmon put Mizzou back up eight with 6:05 to go forcing Murray State head coach Billy Kennedy to take a :30 timeout.
On back to back possessions, the Tigers showed why they’re averaging 20 assists per games. Twice in transition, JT Tiller found Zaire Taylor with a great cut pass. Then after Taylor stripped a Racer of the ball he passed to Justin Safford, who found Tiller under the basket with a no look pass putting the Tigers up by ten, 33-23. Mizzou would maintain most of the way out and finish the half 40-31.
The Tigers shot 52% from the floor and 4 of 9 from three point range. 12 assists and they forced 11 turnovers.
DeMarre Carroll was taken out of the game with five minutes to go in the first half after he attempted a three pointer. Head coach Mike Anderson pulled Carroll and sat him the rest of the half with two points. Carroll came out in the second and drove to the basket to score the bucket and complete the three point play. Then he got to the line just a bit later where he made one of two free throws. On the Tigers next possession, Lyons found Carroll inside. Carroll scored six of the team’s first 11 points of the second half.
The lead remained nine throughout most of the 2 nd half until the Racers cut the Mizzou lead to 62-58 with under 5:00 to play. With 3:46 to play, Murray State had the ball down 64-60 and turned the ball over twice. Carroll was on the line for two shots with 2:24 to go and put Mizzou up by six. The play that brought the 8,500+ fans to their feet came when Zaire Taylor completed a three point play off a steal on the ensuing inbounds pass and foul shot, pushing the lead back to 69-60.
The Tigers never could put the Racers away. Anytime Mizzou went on a run, Murray State would answer with a run of their own to keep the game under double digits.
Isacc Miles led Murray State with 18 points. Matt Lawrence and Leo Lyons had 14 points. DeMarre Carroll scored 11 of his 13 in the second half.