Story by Gage Johnson
Senior writer
gjohnson17@murraystate.edu
Murray State failed to acquire its first road win of the season Thursday night against UT Martin, as the Racers’ inability to protect the ball was their downfall.
Murray State jumped out to a quick 9-7 lead, shooting 60 percent from the field at the under-16 media timeout. UT Martin would trail the Racers 18-17 to close out the first quarter, thanks in large part to 11 points from senior guard Emanye Robertson.
The Skyhawks would bounce back in the second quarter, outscoring Murray State 19-12. A key factor in UT Martin taking a 36-30 lead into the locker room was its success using a full-court press. While it led to 3-for-6 shooting from beyond the arch for freshman guard Lex Mayes, it also led to 10 turnovers in the half.
This would continue throughout the game for the Racers, as they would find offense in spurts against the Skyhawks defense.
“I thought our turnovers a lot of time were self-inflicted,” Turner said. “They imposed their will, don’t get me wrong. I don’t want to take away from any of their athleticism and length, but there were a lot of times we just didn’t make the right decision.”
In the third quarter it was all Evelyn Adebayo. The junior forward has led the Racers with 18.9 PPG this season, and after a four-point first half performance, Adebayo would go for 13 points in the third quarter. This would leave Murray State trailing 53-46 going into the fourth.
The Racers dominated the battle of the boards, out-rebounding UT Martin 47-33 in the game. However, Murray State turned the ball over seven times in the fourth quarter, ending the game with 22, while the Skyhawks would end the fourth with none.
This discrepancy would not be the only glaring negative for the Racers on the night. With injuries to junior guard DeAsia Outlaw and freshman forward Macie Gibson, Murray State’s depth proved to be lacking, while UT Martin’s bench shined on the night with 30 points.
“We’ve had one recruiting class; we’re not deep enough right now,” Turner said. “But I’ll go to battle every night with the kids that were on the floor tonight because they’re the ones that’ll give you everything they’ve got, regardless of the result.”
While the Racers continued to go back and forth with the Skyhawks to the end, UT Martin walked away with the 75-67 victory.
Murray State continues its four-game road stretch against Southeast Missouri State at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12, at the Show Me Center.