The Murray State Racers dropped a 77-74 season opening defeat to the Houston Cougars in from of 5,056 at the CFSB Center in Murray, Ky.
Cameron Payne led the Racers with 20 points, while Jeffery Moss tossed in 18. Jarvis Williams notched a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds and Justin Seymour had 12 points.
After leading by as many as 11 points in the first half, the Racers saw their lead whittled to four at the half. Cold shooting plagued the Racers in the second half against a zone defense and the Cougars eventually took their first lead with 6:20 remaining.
Trailing 76-70 with 1:21 left, MSU nearly pulled this one out of the fire.
Williams was fouled and made a pair of free throws and caused a loose ball which the Racers turned into a Payne layup to cut the UH lead to 76-74. MSU presses again and forced another UH turnover, but Payne’s 3-point try for the lead was no good with 37-seconds remaining. MSU had another three-point look for a tie, but missed.
The Racers played a solid first half and twice built 11 point leads with the last coming 4:07 before the half.
Payne scored the Racers’ first seven points and Justin Seymour and Kedrick Flomo scored their first points at Murray State in the first half.
MSU finished the game 24-of-64 from the field, but were cold in the second half hitting 12-of-35. The Racers managed 6-of-25 from 3-point range.
Game Notes
With the season off and running, the Racers have an early game next week when they travel to Middle Tennessee for a Tuesday game.
Williams notched his 15th career double-double at MSU and is one from matching Ed Daniel for eighth place on MSU’s list that dates back to 1982.
MSU’s 15-game home win streak was snapped. MSU’s last loss was to MTSU on Nov. 26, 2013.
MSU suffered their first loss in a home opener since 1989 when they lost in triple overtime to Southern Illinois at old Racer Arena. The loss to the Cougars marked MSU’s first loss in a home opener in the 17 seasons at the CFSB Center.
MSU returns home to the CFSB Center to host Brescia (Nov. 20).
Racer fans are invited to Nashville on Thanksgiving weekend for three games in three days at the Challenge in Music City. The Racers face Portland, Valparaiso and Drake (Nov. 28-30) at Municipal Auditorium. The MSU ticket office is ready to serve the fans who call (270) 809-3000. Ticketmaster.com and GoRacers.com has more information.
