2019MSUEKUM

Murray State University vs. Eastern Kentucky University (Men)

Paul S. McBrayer Arena

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY

February 16, 2019

Murray State University coach Matt McMahon started the following lineup: 6-9 Fr. KJ Williams, 6-5 Fr. Tevin Brown, 6-8 Jr. Darnell Cowart, 6-3 Sr. Shaq Buchanan, and 6-3 So. Ja Morant.  Eastern Kentucky University coach AW Hamilton countered with 6-8 Fr. Tre King, 6-5 Fr. Houston King, 6-9 Sr. Nick Mayo, 5-10 Jr. Dujuanta Weaver, and 6-2 Fr. Jomaru Brown.

Murray State University maintained a low double digit lead for most of the game and went on a big run to close out the game with a 102-70 victory.  The atmosphere was electric tonight with an attendance of 5640, the most in over 10 years.  There were several NBA scouts in attendance to catch the “Ja Morant mania” and they were entertained both by his performance and the performance of EKU Senior big man Nick Mayo.

Murray State University shot 60.7% from the field including 10 of 23 from the three point line.  They connected on 18 of 23 free throws, pulled down 36 rebounds, and scored 24 points off 17 Eastern Kentucky turnovers.  Eastern Kentucky shot 35.3% from the field including seven of 23 from beyond the arc.  The Colonels connected on 15 of 15 free throws, pulled down 31 rebounds, and scored 18 points off 18 Murray State turnovers. 

Ja Morant led Murray State with 25 points including two three point baskets, 25 points, eight rebounds, 14 assists, and three steals.  Shaq Buchanan added 16 points including two three point baskets and two steals.  Tevin Brown recorded 14 points including two three point baskets, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.  Darnell Cowart chipped in with 14 points and four rebounds.  6-6 So. Devin Gilmore added 12 points and seven rebounds.

Nick Mayo led Eastern Kentucky with 26 points including three three point baskets, 12 rebounds, and two assists.  Jomaru Brown added 19 points including 10 of 10 free throws, four rebounds, and three steals.  Tre King recorded 10 points, nine rebounds, and two blocked shots.

Murray State University,46,56,102

Eastern Kentucky University,35,35,70

Murray State University (102) – Williams 8, Brown 14, Cowart 14, Buchanan 16, Morant 25, Sanchious 1, Gilmore 12, Eaves 6, Whitley 6.

Eastern Kentucky University (70) – T. King 10, H. King 0, Mayo 26, Weaver 5, Brown 19, Broughton 7, Anderson 3.

A special thanks to the Eastern Kentucky University Stats Crew for providing the comprehensive statistics for tonight’s game.