DENISON, Texas — The Murray State College men's basketball team picked up a gritty road victory on Thursday night, edging Grayson College, 63–62.
 
Murray State and Grayson exchanged baskets in the early going. The score remained a one possession game 12 minutes into the contest. The visitors from Oklahoma used a 10-2 run, capped by an Ashton Smith basket to give Murray State a 32-24 advantage with just over five minutes to play in the first half. Grayson would trim Murray State's advantage to five as the sides headed to their respective locker room for halftime.
 
Grayson knotted the game up at 41 just six minutes into the second half. The game would stay close the rest of the way as neither team got a lead greater than three points in the final 14 minutes of action. With the score knotted at 62 with just over 13 seconds to play, Murray State's Aymen Kraria skied for an offensive rebound and was fouled on the putback. Kraria would convert the second free throw, giving the Aggies a 63-62 lead. On the ensuing possession, MSC's defense got a key stop and rebound, sealing the gritty 63-62 road victory on Thursday.

Murray State was balanced offensively, with Devon MacCollister leading the way with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including four made threes. Ashton Smith added 13 points, five assists, and two rebounds while knocking down both of his free throws. Aymen Kraria delivered a strong all-around night with 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and the game-winning free throw.

Tayesen Combs contributed seven points and six rebounds, while Domantas Sarauskas added four points. Off the bench, Kristupas Grybas scored six points with four rebounds, and Cash Good provided a spark with six points, including a perfect 3-for-3 from the line. Tom Sutton pulled down six key rebounds.

The Aggies will head into the Christmas Break with an 11-3 record. Murray State will return to the court on January 5 as they travel to take on Seminole State College. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
 
Assistant Sports Information Director: Jeremy Wagner | jwagner@mscok.edu
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