TISHOMINGO, Okla. — The Murray State College men's basketball team rallied from an early deficit to defeat Connors State College, 81-71, on Monday night, completing the season sweep of the Cowboys with a strong second-half performance.
 
Connors State came out fast, jumping out to a 10-3 lead and later building its largest advantage of the first half at 21-12. Murray State battled back and took its first lead of the game at 28-27 with six minutes remaining in the opening half, but the Cowboys answered and carried a 40-37 lead into the break.
 
The Cowboys wasted no time extending their advantage in the second half, pushing the lead to seven less than a minute after the restart. The Aggies quickly flipped the momentum, however, responding with a decisive 15-0 run to take an eight-point lead over the next seven minutes of action.
 
Connors State trimmed the deficit to four with a little over six minutes to play, but Murray State answered again with a 6-0 run to stretch the lead back to double digits. The Aggies maintained control down the stretch to secure the 81-71 victory.
 
Abeeng Agot led the way for Murray State with an 11 point, 13 rebound double-double. Haki Muhammad II added 19 points, while Tayesen Combs scored 15 points, including three made three-pointers. Aymen Kraria contributed 11 points to go along with seven rebounds. Ashton Smith chipped in with nine points.
 
Murray State shot 40.9 percent from the field and connected on 10 three-pointers. The Aggies' strong second-half surge and timely runs proved to be the difference as they completed the season sweep of Connors State College.
 
Murray State travels to Wilburton to take on Eastern Oklahoma State College on Thursday, February 19. Tipoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.
 
Assistant Sports Information Director: Jeremy Wagner | jwagner@mscok.edu
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