The Murray State men’s basketball team tuned up for the 2018-19 season with a 99-61 exhibition win over the Brescia Bearcats at the CFSB Center in Murray, Kentucky.
The Racers host the Wright State Raiders Saturday at 7 p.m. in the regular season opener.
On a night where every Racer got plenty of time on the floor, the Racers put 11 players in the scoring column led by Ja Morant with 17 points. Tevin Brown and Shaq Buchanan each tossed in 15 and Brion Whitley scored 13. The Racers shot 59 percent by going 42-of-71 from the field.
Brescia had the lead when the game reached the first media timeout at 7-4. Brown hit his first shot of the game and it sparked an 11-4 MSU run for MSU to go in front with 12:14 left in the half. Jaiveon Eaves hit his first shot off the bench and it pushed the Racers in front 22-11 at the 9:21 mark. Shaq Buchanan made two dunks, with one after a nifty steal and the other from an alley-oop from teammate Ja Morant for a 26-13 lead.
The Racers led 51-26 at the half and outscored Brescia 48-35 in the second half.
MSU won the battle of the boards 43-31 and had three players; Anthony Smith, Brion Whitley and Darnell Cowart all grabbed six. The Racers also shared the ball in recording 28 assists on their 42 field goals and they scored 64 points in the paint to go with 32 points on fast breaks.
Now it’s on to the 93rd season of Murray State Basketball when Wright State comes calling Saturday.
Courtesy of MSU Athletics