(MURRAY, Ky.) — Murray State posted its seventh consecutive home win Saturday, defeating Bellarmine 81-68 at the CFSB Center to move to 7-3 on the season before breaking for final exams.
Four Racers reached double figures in the victory. JJ Traynor paced the offense with 17 points on strong 8-for-12 shooting while grabbing six boards. Reserve Roman Domon continued his recent surge with 16 points and five rebounds, extending his double-digit scoring streak to five games. Javon Jackson chipped in 14 points, and Fred King nearly notched a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds.
Murray State seized control before halftime, taking a 13-point cushion into the locker room. The Racers maintained their momentum early in the second period when Traynor delivered eight unanswered points, stretching the advantage to 15. A decisive stretch midway through the half saw Murray State open a 24-point gap before Bellarmine mounted a late rally that trimmed the margin to a dozen in the final minutes.
The Racers controlled the paint and the glass, outrebounding their opponents 35-18 while limiting Bellarmine to minimal second-chance opportunities. Murray State’s perimeter defense also proved effective, holding the Knights to 33 percent shooting from three-point range.
With exams approaching, the Racers will pause before heading west for the Jack Jones Classic to face Akron on Dec. 13. Their conference schedule begins at home Dec. 18 when Drake visits for the Missouri Valley opener.
The afternoon included a ceremony honoring the 1999-2000 squad that captured the program’s seventh straight conference title. Isaac Spencer became the 15th player in program history to have his jersey retired, while former conference Player of the Year Aubrey Reese received a milestone award from that championship season.
PHOTO: Steven Furst
