Four Racers scored double figures as the Murray State men’s basketball beat the Valparaiso Beacons on Saturday, Feb. 8 to avoid a five-game losing streak.

The Racers started hot on both ends of the floor, jumping out to a 21-10 at the 8:16 mark of the first half. The Beacons shot 4-for-19 from the field in that stretch, while the Racers went 7-for-14. Murray State finished the first half strong, going into halftime with a 33-23 lead. This game was the first since Jan. 25 against Belmont that the Racers have scored more than 30 points in the first half.

The Racers kept the momentum through the second half. Valpo cut their deficit down to 11 with 2:27 left in the game, but Murray State held on. The Racers went on an 8-1 run to close out the game, beating Valpo 74-56 and completing the season sweep of the Beacons.

Senior forward Nick Ellington and senior guards JaCobi Wood and AJ Ferguson finished with 17 each, with Ellington adding 10 rebounds. Ellington’s double-double was the fifth of his Murray State career. Senior guard Kylen Milton finished with 12.

The win moves Murray State to 12-13 overall and 6-8 in Missouri Valley Conference play. The Racers look to get back to .500 when they host the University of Illinois Chicago Flames. The first meeting between the two teams saw the Flames beat the Racers in double overtime 97-93. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11.