Box Score By Kevin Farr
Murray State Sports Information
Sophomore Bol Agu exploded for a career-high 37 points and Murray State seemingly turned the corner with its best offensive performance of the season in a 94-71 victory over Redlands Community College on Thursday night in Tishomingo.

The Aggies moved to 15-3 overall and 4-1 in Region 2 action, remaining in a three-way tie for the league lead. They'll have an even bigger test on Monday night, hosting nationally sixth-ranked Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, which is also tied for the conference edge.

Playing without two starters, including leading scorer Brandon Ivery, for the second straight game, the Aggies showed little effect in a dominant first half in which Agu was virtually unstoppable no matter where he was on the floor.

Murray State's big man poured in 24 points prior to the break, including hitting a trio of three pointers. Teammate Elijah Tshibangu was also scorching the nets for 15 points before intermission, canning three treys as well.

While that pair was leading the charge, the Aggies were getting key contributions from all kinds of sources, including freshman Devon MacCollister, who popped in a season-best nine points for the game.

After rolling to the 55-28 halftime bulge, the Aggies put it in cruise control after the break with Agu tossing in another 13 points following the half. Tshibangu ended with 17 points and Rustin Coffey contributed 13.

Abeeng Agot joined MacCollister with nine points. Isaac Jones notched five and Chanon Frye scored four.

"It was good to see some guys knock down shots in the first half because we've been in a cold stretch," head coach Josh Davis stated. "I was really proud of the way we battled through adversity last few games and competed.

"The team is responding and showing its resilience. We showed tonight how tough we can be even without a couple key guys. This region is really competitive this year. It's difficult night in and night out."