Box Score By Kevin Farr
Murray State Sports Information
EDMOND, Okla – The Murray State Aggies rallied to within a point with 9:32 remaining Tuesday night but could never get any closer against powerhouse Frank Phillips College in an 84-68 loss in the final game of the prestigious Elite 8 Basketball Festival.

It was a nip-and-tuck opening half with neither team gaining much of an edge as they battled to a 34-34 deadlock.

A steal by RJ Chatman and layup by Elijah Tshibongu just 43 seconds into the final half pushed Murray State in front, but only briefly as the Texas squad reeled off a 15-4 scoring run over the next three minutes to take command.

Murray State closed to narrow the gap to three on a trio of occasions before Bol Agu dropped in a basket off a Chatman assist to make it only a 59-58 Frank Phillips lead.

Agu continued a stellar half offensively, helping keep the Aggies within striking distance but the Frank Phillips size and power inside proved to be decisive. They also drained nine three pointers.

Tshibongu sank nine of 11 free throw attempts on the way to a team-leading 25 points. Agu pumped in 10 in the second half and ended with 16.

Brandon Ivery chipped in eight points, Rustin Coffey and Devon MacCollister each tallied five, Chatman scored four with Abeeng Agot and Chanon Frye contributing two apiece.

"We are really disappointed we lost tonight against a very good Frank Phillips squad," said head coach Josh Davis. "They do a good job and are very well coached. We look forward to getting back to practice and getting prepared for our next game on Friday."

Murray State will play at home for the first time this season on Friday, facing Collin County College for Homecoming at 7 p.m.