Story by Kelsey Randolph, Sports Editor
Racer fans lived up to their legacy Saturday afternoon by showing up to support the team against the UT Martin Skyhawks.
With their streak at stake and a road swing that looked to test the Racers’ foul trouble, the team suffered a loss 63-59.
Beginning the game, senior forward Wayne Langston marked two fouls in the first five minutes, one from the first 14 seconds. To prevent fouling out, Langston only played four minutes during the game but was back on court when there was 14 minutes left in the second half.
Both junior guard Justin Seymour and senior forward Jeffery Moss led the first half with 3-pointers.
“Credit to UT Martin,” said Head Coach Matt McMahon. “I thought they played with a sense of urgency and really battled through and found a way to win basketball game. I thought on our part we just had some mental breakdowns that really hurt us.”
The second half was not too different from previous games, with a close game and the Racers pushing to make a couple 3-pointers and close the gap, the Skyhawks wouldn’t let the Racers score.
Finishing the afternoon on foul play, Skyhawks senior guard Alex Anderson made two good free throws to seal the deal.
Leading for the Racers was Moss with 22 points and eight rebounds. Jones led the team with eight assists.
On the Skyhawks home court, senior forward Twymond Howard led with 19 points, redshirt junior forward Kedar Edwards led with 11 rebounds and both senior guard Alex Anderson and Edwards led with four assists.
The Racers’ road swing continues at Southeast Missouri State (2-6 in the OVC and 5-16 overall) at 7 p.m. Thursday, which will be aired on ESPNU.
“SEMO is playing really well right now,” McMahon said. “They got off to a rough start with a lot of injuries and suspensions but Coach Ray is a great coach – he’s been in the SEC, very experienced.”
Murray State is now tied for first place in the OVC West with a records of 5-4 in the OVC and 11-11 overall, UT Martin finishes in third place with a 3-5 OVC records and 9-13 overall.
“We’re going to have to get in the gym on Monday and get a lot better,” McMahon said. “So we’ll be in position to have the opportunity to win on the road Thursday.”