Murray State's Javon Jackson stole the show at the CFSB Center, scoring 21 points to lead the Racers to an 85-81 victory over Indiana State. The win marked a solid performance by Murray State, who improved to 16-5 on the season. Jackson's scoring outburst was complemented by a strong all-around effort from Fred King, who chipped in 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Layne Taylor, who added 13 points and 7 rebounds.
The game got off to a blistering pace, with Murray State taking a 47-37 lead into halftime. Indiana State's Camp Wagner, who finished with 20 points and 8 rebounds, kept the Sycamores within striking distance throughout the contest. Wagner's efforts were supported by Ian Scott, who contributed 14 points and 7 rebounds, and Jo Van Buggenhout, who scored 11 points. Despite a strong second-half push by Indiana State, who outscored Murray State 44-38 in the final 20 minutes, the Racers held on for the four-point win.
The victory was a reflection of Murray State's depth and resilience, as they withstood a late surge by the Sycamores to secure the win. The Racers' ability to close out games has been a hallmark of their success this season, and Friday's win was no exception. With the victory, Murray State improved to 16-5 on the year, while Indiana State fell to 9-13.
The game had real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Murray State, the win marked a Quadrant 4 victory, which, while not particularly impressive, still counts as a win. The Racers want to build on this performance as they continue to push for a postseason berth. On the other hand, the loss was a Quadrant 2 defeat for Indiana State, which could have a more significant impact on their tournament chances. The Sycamores must regroup and refocus as they look to rebound from the tough road loss.
In the end, Murray State's strong team performance and Javon Jackson's standout scoring effort was too much for Indiana State to overcome. The win was a solid addition to the Racers' resume, and they want to continue their winning ways as the season progresses. For Indiana State, the loss was a missed opportunity to pick up a quality win on the road, and they must bounce back quickly to stay in the hunt for a tournament spot. The outcome of this game will likely have a lasting impact on both teams' tournament chances, and it will be interesting to see how they respond in the coming weeks.