Despite trailing for the majority of the game Thursday night, a 3-point shot from freshman Cameron Payne with 21 seconds left to play lifted the Racers over Eastern Illinois 70-66 and into sole possession of first place in the OVC.
Payne struggled through most of the first half, committing five turnovers while scoring only two points. The entire team followed suit, losing the rebounding battle 24-17 and committing eight turnovers to Eastern Illinois’ five.
As the first half expired, Eastern Illinois closed the half with a quick scoring flurry, sending Murray State into the locker room trailing 36-28.
Murray State came out of the break ready for a comeback, closing the gap to as few as two.
The Racers’ momentum slowed at the 16:42 mark, however, when junior Jarvis Williams picked up a technical foul, giving him four on the night and sending him to the bench.
Eastern Illinois expanded the lead back to eight, but junior Jonathan Fairell picked up Williams’ slack, pulling down a career-high 14 rebounds while adding eight points as well.
Fairell and the Racers clawed their way back and finally took their first lead of the night with 9:40 left to play in the game as Payne drew a foul and sank both free throws.
The teams traded baskets as the clock wound down until Payne’s step-back 3 put the Racers up for good with 21 seconds left to play.
The win moves Murray State to 10-7 on the year, and keeps the Racers perfect in OVC play as they move to 5-0 in the conference. Belmont lost to Eastern Kentucky earlier in the evening, leaving the Racers as the final undefeated team in conference play.
The Racers now prepare for the final leg of the current road trip as they take on the Southern Illionis University Edwardsville Cougars at 1 p.m. Saturday in Edwardsville, Ill.