Freshman guard Cameron Payne presses the ball up the court against Eastern?Kentucky.
In the semifinal round of the OVC Tournament, Eastern Kentucky controlled the game from the start.
When the games seemed like it was about to be blown open, the Racers started a slow, steady rally that lasted until the final second.
With 12:03 remaining, the Colonels were up by 12.
Time ran down and the gap narrowed.
Finally, junior guard T.J. Sapp drained a 3-pointer to tie the game at 79 with 1:33 to play.
Eastern took the lead back moments later, but the Racers were never more than a shot away from a tie.
With 27 ticks on the clock, sophomore guard Jeffery Moss missed a 3-point shot, but junior forward Jonathan Fairell pulled down the rebound.
Fairell kicked the ball out to freshman guard Cameron Payne, who had a chance to tie the game.
A few steps behind the arc, Payne put up a shot to send the game to overtime as the buzzer sounded.
The ball bounced of the rim, ending the Racers’ chance at the tournament title and potential spot in the NCAA?Tournament.
Though they will not make an appearance in the Big Dance, Murray State’s postseason is not altogther lost. The team has accepted an bid in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament.
In a field of 32 teams, the Racers must wait until at least Sunday night before they know who and where they will play.
The teams can’t be seeded until after the fields are set for the two top tournaments.
Staff Report