Racers Rally Late, Can't Hold Off JSU

Saturday, January 10

Jacksonville, Ala.

2 p.m.

Murray State

5-11, 0-3OVC

Jacksonville State

11-5, 2-2OVC

OT 1

Murray State

Jacksonville State

Photo by: Murray State Sports Information

1/10/2015 3:58:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

The Murray State women's basketball team rallied late in the game, but fell in overtime 78-73 to Jacksonville State. MSU takes its first loss at Jacksonville, Alabama in series history. The Racers are 6-5 when three or more student-athletes score in double-digits.

MSU (5-11, 0-3 OVC) went up 10-2 early in the first couple of minutes of the game, but Jacksonville State (11-5, 2-2 OVC) fought hard for the lead. JSU tied the score 17-17, and from that point on it continued to be close in the first half. Both teams fought for the lead, since Murray State went into the game with the best scoring offense in the OVC, while Jacksonville State had the best scoring defense in the OVC. MSU was unable to get shots to fall during the closing minutes of the first half, and went into the locker room trailing 43-40.

The Gamecocks brought the intensity they had in the first half right to the second half of play. Murray State knew they were facing a lot of adversity in this second half and wanted a win before heading back home. JSU had trouble slowing down the fast-paced Racers as they went on a 21-2 run to cut the deficit 54-53. Murray State tied the game 67-67 with 1:45 left in the game. It seemed like this game would come down to a final second basket to determine the winner. When regulation clock dropped to zero, the score was all tied up 67-67 and five more minutes were needed to decide the game.

Both teams came with the fire they ended regulation with in overtime. It was five minutes of both teams fighting for a win. Murray State held on as long as they could, but Jacksonville State was able to grab rebounds and get shots to fall late in overtime as they won 78-73.

Three Racers scored in double-digits in the loss with Ke'Shunan James leading with a career-high 28 points. Keiona Kirby and Netanya Jackson added 19 and 12 respectively. James led the Racers with nine rebounds, while Jackson and Kirby grabbed eight and six boards, respectively.

Murray State will return home after the longest road stretch of the season to face Tennessee State Jan. 15 at 5 p.m.