Rice University
5-6
Murray State
6-4
Racers Defeat Owls, 83-65
12/30/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 30, 2005
Murray, Ky. -- Murray State used an early 15-0 run in the first half to distance itself from Rice and went on to win 83-65 in front of 2,608 fans at the Regional Special Events Center. Rice is now 5-6 as it comes home for a three-game homestand.
With Murray State ahead 13-11, the Racers proceeded to go on a 15-0 run to go up 28-11 and led at the half 45-23. In the first half the Owls shot 29.4 percent (10-34), while Murray State shot 60.6 percent (20-33) including 4-10 from the three-point range.
Greg Killings made his first appearance of the season at the 10 minute mark in the first stanza and responded with 8 points to lead Rice at the break.
The Owls outscored Murray State 14-5 to start the second half as J.R. Harrison made six free throws, Morris Almond tallied three baskets, and Cory Plfieger netted two to make the score 50-37 at the 15:00 mark.
Rice got it down to 10 (62-52) at 8:02 on an Almond basket, but the Racers scored two baskets and a three-pointer to go on a 7-0 run and squelch the Owl rally.
For the game, Rice was led by Morris Almond who tallied 22 points. It was his fourth straight game to score over 20 points. J.R. Harrison notched his second double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Almond also grabbed a career-high 8 rebounds. Greg Killings in making his first appearance of the season scored 10 points.
Murray State (6-4) was led by Shawn Witherspoon's 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Trrey Pearson added 14 and Darnell Hopkins added 11.
Rice now hosts Yale on Jan. 2 at historic Autry Court. Tip-off is set for 7:05 pm.
