Tennessee State upsets undefeated, No. 9 Murray State 72-68
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Murray State’s Ivan Aska drives past Tennessee State’s M.J. Rhett Thursday during the second half. Tennessee State won 72-68. Associated Press |
MURRAY, Ky. — Robert Covington had 17 points and eight rebounds to lead Tennessee State to a 72-68 victory over No. 9 Murray State on Thursday night, handing the Racers their first loss of the season.
Isaiah Canaan had 31 points and six rebounds for Murray State (23-1, 11-1 Ohio Valley Conference), which was the last unbeaten team in Division I.
Murray State has won the last eight meetings against Tennessee State (16-10, 9-4) dating to 2008-09.
Covington hit a 3-pointer with 4 minutes left that gave Tennessee State a 65-62 lead.
The Tigers led 69-68 when a turnover gave Murray State the ball with 11.2 seconds to play. Tennessee State stole the inbounds pass. Covington was fouled with 9.7 seconds left but he missed both free throws.
Canaan turned the ball over and committed a foul with 3.5 seconds to play. Kenny Moore made two free throws to make it a three-point lead.
Murray State again turned the ball over on a long inbounds pass and Jordan Cyphers made one of two free throws to seal the upset.
The Racers scored the first seven points of that game but they went more than 6 minutes without a field goal. The scoreless streak ended when Jewuan Long connected on a layup off a pass from Zay Jackson to give the Racers a one-point lead.
Jackson stole the ball with 33 seconds remaining in the first half. Canaan had the ball in his hands and as first-year coach Steve Prohm stood and pointed directions, the crowd stood and cheered. With 4 seconds left Canaan made a 3-pointer to give Murray State a 40-33 lead. Canaan finished 7 of 10 from 3-point range.
There were nine lead changes — five in the second half. Tennessee State’s bench outscored Murray State’s 30-10.
