Western Kentucky Hilltopper Basketball-Western Kentucky outlasts Murray State 86-81 on the road

Western Kentucky’s (2-1) hard-fought battle on Tuesday night in Murray, KY resulted in their first road win of the season as they outlasted Murray State (2-1) at the CFSB Center.

The victory marked the Hilltoppers’ 55th win over the Racers in a 90-game series dating back to the 1949-50 season, making it the third highest played series in Hilltopper Basketball history.

Shooting 52.6% (30-57) from the floor, 50.0% (8-16) from beyond the arc, and 85.7% (18-21) from the free throw line, Western Kentucky dominated the court.

WKU junior guard Don McHenry led the charge with 22 points, one rebound, two assists, one steal, and two blocks, followed by redshirt senior guard Dontaie Allen with 18 points, five rebounds, one steal, and one block.

WKU senior guard Khristian Lander also made an impact, contributing 12 points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal, while redshirt senior guard Brandon Newman finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

Murray State, on the other hand, shot 41.0% (26-61) from the field, 34.8% (8-23) from three-point range, and 71.9% (23-32) from the free throw line.

The Racer’s senior guard Rob Perry led the team with 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while junior guard JaCobi Wood recorded 14 points, one rebound, four assists, two steals, and one block. Murray State junior guard Brian Moore Jr. put up 13 points, two rebounds, five assists, and two blocks.

At the half, the Hilltoppers held a 43-34 lead, shooting 57.6% (19-33) from field goal range, 50.0% (4-8) from beyond the arc, and 85.7% (18-21) from the line. In contrast, Murray State shot 31.0% (9-29) from the floor, 30.0% (3-10) from three, and 72.2% (13-18) from the free throw line.

Looking ahead, Western Kentucky will continue their non-conference slate at E.A. Diddle Arena on Saturday, Nov. 18, as they host Kentucky State with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.