TISHOMINGO, Okla. – The Murray State College men's basketball team used a big second half to propel the hosts to a lopsided victory over Ranger College this evening inside Beames Fieldhouse, 89-71.

The game stayed at a one-score game until midway through the first half when Malachi Schilreff delivered a pass to Haki Muhammad II who drilled a three pointer to give MSC a 29-24 advantage. The Aggies pushed their lead up to seven, but the visitors from Ranger College cut into the deficit to trim MSC's lead to three at the half, 49-46.

Ranger took the lead, 58-53, five minutes into the second half. However, the Aggies came storming back with an 8-0 run to take the lead capped off by a pair of free throws by Ashton Smith. The hosts would never trail the rest of the way and ran away from the visitors from Texas as the Aggies held Ranger to 13 points over the final 15 minutes to win the game, 89-71.

The Aggies' balanced offense throughout the day and defense down the stretch proved to be the difference as the hosts connected on 10 three-pointers and only committed nine turnovers.

Freshman guard Haki Muhammad II led the scoring with 23 points, including three makes from beyond the arc. Ashton Smith added 14 points, while both Tom Sutton and Tayesen Combs chipped in 12 apiece, giving the Aggies four players in double figures.

With the win, the Aggies improve to 9-3 on the season.

Murray State College returns to the court Dec. 6 for a road contest against Collin College. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.

Sports Information Director: Justin Wagner | jgwagner@mscok.edu
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