Morant leads Murray State past Missouri State 77-66
MURRAY, Ky. -- Ja Morant scored a career-best 29 points with 13 rebounds and 12 assists to lead Murray State past Missouri State 77-66 on Saturday night.
Morant was 9 of 18 from the field including six from long range for the Racers (3-0). Shaq Buchanan added 20 points and three assists.
The Racers lunged to a 20-6 start with the help of two 3-pointers by Morant and a dunk by Anthony Smith and led all the way, building to a 35-25 advantage at the break.
Tevin Brown nailed a 3-pointer and Morant and Brion Sanchious dunked as part of a 9-4 surge to open the second half that gave Murray State a 44-29 lead. Jarred Dixon's layup with 3:39 to play got Missouri State as close as 64-58 before Morant sank back-to-back 3s to keep the Racers on top.
Jarred Dixon scored 18 points to lead the Bears (3-3). Obediah Church added 15 points and nine rebounds.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Andrew Walton
- James Hicks
- Gene Grimshaw
2023-24 Missouri Valley Conference Standings
Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
---|---|---|---|
Indiana State | 17-3 | - | 32-7 |
Drake | 16-4 | 1 | 28-7 |
Bradley | 13-7 | 4 | 23-12 |
Belmont | 12-8 | 5 | 20-13 |
Northern Iowa | 12-8 | 5 | 19-14 |
Southern Illinois | 11-9 | 6 | 19-13 |
Illinois State | 9-11 | 8 | 15-17 |
Murray State | 9-11 | 8 | 12-20 |
Missouri State | 8-12 | 9 | 17-16 |
Evansville | 6-14 | 11 | 17-18 |
UIC | 4-16 | 13 | 12-21 |
Valparaiso | 3-17 | 14 | 7-25 |