Murray, KY (Sports Network) - Mike Liabo scored 20 points to lead the
Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks to a 69-68 victory over the Murray State Racers in
an Ohio Valley Conference clash at the CFSB Center.
Myles Taylor shot 9-of-11 at the free-throw line, en route to 15 points for
UTM (9-19, 5-10 OVC) which avenged a loss to the Racers earlier this season.
Isaiah Canaan poured in a game-high 31 points for MSU (20-8, 10-5) while Ed
Daniel went for 19 points and 12 rebounds, his 14th double-double of the
season.
UTM made 6-of-10 from 3-point range in the opening period, while the Racers
failed to knock down an outside shot on nine attempts. Despite outrebounding
UTM 19-9, Murray State trailed 36-27 at halftime.
MSU tied the score at 40-40 at the 14:46 mark on a Canaan triple. UTM quickly
regained its composure and held a slim advantage for the rest of the second
half until another Canaan 3-pointer cut the Skyhawks' lead to 67-65 with 1:02
remaining.
It became a free-throw contest from that moment on and UTM prevailed despite
BJ McLaughlin missing both of his attempts at the line with five seconds left
and the Skyhawks holding a 69-68 edge. Canaan's last-second prayer was off the
mark.
UTM won thanks in large part to its bench, which outscored the MSU reserves,
21-5.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network