Murray State sophomore guard Haven Ford went for 31 points in a four-point win over the University of Memphis Tigers on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Entering the matchup with a win and two losses, Murray State was looking to even their record early on in the season.
Memphis jumped to an early 10-4 lead three minutes into the game and maintained the lead throughout the first quarter. Memphis led by a score of 20-11 heading into the second quarter.
Murray State was able to narrow the lead and even tie the game up 34-34 with 1:48 left in the first half after a pair of free throws by Ford. The Tigers regained the lead to make the score 40-35 heading into halftime.
Both teams went back and forth throughout the third quarter, but the Racers had more momentum and erupted for 29 points in the quarter. Murray State was able to tie the game up at 64 apiece heading into the fourth quarter.
A three-pointer by Racers graduate forward Katelyn Young with 8:51 to go ultimately became the last lead change of the game, as the Racers kept their foot on the gas and maintained the lead.
Murray State’s lead in the fourth quarter got as high as 13 points before the Racers eventually won the game 87-83.
Ford coupled her career-high 31 points with 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals in her second double double of the season. Young finished with 22 points, five rebounds, two assists and a block.
Sophomore guard Halli Poock had 18 points, eight assists, four rebounds and a steal, as senior forward Ava Learn earned 10 points, five rebounds, two assists and a block.
Murray State finished the win going 29-65 (44.6%) from the field and 5-22 (22.7) from behind the arc. They shot 22-33 (72.7%) from the free-throw line as well.
Both teams corralled 40 rebounds each, but Memphis committed 31 fouls to Murray State’s 16. Memphis outscored the Racers in the paint 50-46 and both teams scored 18 points off of turnovers.
Murray State now looks to go above a .500 win percentage, as they go on the road to play at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26. If you cannot make it to the game, you can watch it live on ESPN+.
