(DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.) – Murray State secured a hard-fought 88-83 victory over George Mason on Friday afternoon at Ocean Center, overcoming a balanced Patriots attack with clutch free throw shooting down the stretch.
The Racers rode a dominant performance from Sharneece Currie-Jelks, who poured in a game-high 32 points on 9-of-14 shooting in 34 minutes. Haven Ford added 22 points, while Keslyn Secrist contributed 11 points and a team-high 15 rebounds in Murray State’s winning effort.
Despite shooting a nearly identical field goal percentage (46% to George Mason’s 45%), the Racers found their edge at the charity stripe, converting 29 of 33 free throw attempts for an impressive 88% clip. George Mason managed just 15-of-19 from the line.
Zahira Walton led George Mason with 42 points on an efficient 15-of-23 shooting performance in 38 minutes, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Murray State’s balanced scoring and rebounding advantage. MJ Johnson chipped in 15 points for the Patriots, while Kennedy Harris added 12.
The rebounding battle proved crucial, with Murray State controlling the glass 43-29, including a commanding 34-22 advantage on the defensive boards. The Racers also dominated inside, matching George Mason’s 40 points in the paint while limiting second-chance opportunities.
Turnovers told a contrasting story, as Murray State committed 22 giveaways compared to just 12 for George Mason. The Patriots capitalized with 24 points off turnovers, nearly double Murray State’s 12, but couldn’t convert that advantage into victory.
Murray State extended their largest lead to 13 points during the contest, while George Mason’s biggest advantage reached just five. The Racers’ ability to get to the free throw line and convert proved to be the difference in a closely contested matchup.
With the win, Murray State improves their record to 4-2 and will play Saturday at 10 AM CST against Boston College in Daytona Beach.
PHOTO-MSU Athletics
