Murray State Easily Defeats North Carolina Central

Murray State 84
North Carolina Central 61

Final from the Coaches vs Cancer Classic in Miami, Florida

Game Recap from Murray State:

The Murray State Racers used a big run at the end of the first half to set up an 84-61 win Sunday over North Carolina Central in the Coaches vs Cancer Classic in Miami, Fla.

After NCCU tied the game at 24 with 5:00 remaining in the half, the Racers put their defense into high gear and finished it with a 15-0 run.

After two Ivan Aska free throws, MSU got a steal and a three-pointer from B.J. Jenkins plus another jumper to take a 31-24 lead with 3:06 left.

Donte Poole got an offensive rebound and basket that was followed by another steal and easy two by Danero Thomas. Jeffery McClain and Isaiah Canaan each hit a pair of free throws for a 39-24 lead for the Racers at the half.

MSU's lead grew to 21 points with 15:00 remaining when the score was 54-33 after a Tony Easley fast break dunk.

However NCCU did not go quietly.

Their 15-2 run cut the MSU lead to 62-53 with 7:53 remaining.

The Racers got control of the contest in the final minutes and took a 14-point lead on a Tony Easley inside basket with 4:32 remaining.

When Isaiah Canaan hit a three with 13.1 left, the Racers were able to end the game with their largest lead of the night.

Jenkins led the way for MSU with 16 points, with 15 coming from Aska. Thomas added 13, while Isacc Miles was the fifth Racer in double-figure scoring with 10.

Easley led MSU with seven rebounds.

The Racers (3-1) will finish their trio of games in Miami, Fla., Monday at 6 p.m. central time against the host Florida International Panthers.