Story by Gage Johnson
Senior writer
gjohnson17@murraystate.edu
Throughout its non-conference slate, the Murray State men’s basketball team seemed to lack a consistent presence from its frontcourt.
The Racers would go on to claim a 90-69 win in the OVC opener, thanks to freshman forward KJ Williams and junior forward Darnell Cowart stepping up in the spotlight with senior forward Brion Sanchious in foul trouble.
The first half of play would be a tough battle with Morehead State, with each team responding to one another offensively. With 8:43 left in the half, the Eagles would gain a 20-19 lead. Sophomore guard Ja Morant would answer with a three, and the Racers wouldn’t lose the lead again.
Morant’s three would ignite a 26-6 run for the Racers to close the half. Head Coach Matt McMahon attributed it largely to the play of the bigs, as well as Morant’s ability to find them.
“I thought our forwards did a really good job,” McMahon said. “I thought our forwards were able to establish position. They were able to just catch, turn and score, because they did their work without the ball. Ja did a really good job of finding guys around the basket and they went up and finished strong.”
The Eagles would bounce back in the second half, only being outscored by the Racers 45-43. However, Morehead State’s first half woes would be its demise, falling to Murray State 90-69.
Anyone who was in attendance was fully aware of the intensity the Racers’ bigs brought in the paint. Their play, along with the rebounding help from Morant and senior guard Shaq Buchanan, would lead to a dominating 43-30 rebounding performance.
Sanchious would only log 16 minutes of play, and in his place Williams and Cowart would play well. Williams would end the game with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Cowart would use a 14-point second half to launch to a career-high 20 points and nine rebounds.
This performance would break his previous career-high of 13 points against No. 12 Auburn University. With multiple performances like this under his belt, Cowart said it’s his teammates that have helped him maximize his potential.
“I feel real comfortable,” Cowart said. “My teammates encourage me everyday in practice and out of practice. We’re all a good group and just gel together.”
The Racers will look to follow up their opening OVC win when they take on senior forward Nick Mayo and Eastern Kentucky University on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5, at the CFSB Center.