Murray St defeats Valparaiso 79-85

Murray St Edges Valparaiso in Thrilling Comeback Victory

The Athletics-Recreation Center saw an unforgettable matchup between Murray State and Valparaiso, with the Owls ultimately emerging victorious by a margin of six points. In a back-and-forth contest that tested the endurance of both teams, Murray State's resilience was on full display as they erased a 3-point halftime deficit to claim the 85-79 win.

At the break, Valparaiso held a slim lead, but it wouldn't be enough to keep their opponents from staging an impressive comeback. As the second half commenced, Murray State capitalized on their heightened energy and scoring prowess.

Owen Dease of Valparaiso led all scorers with 25 points, showcasing his skill from beyond the arc as he hit three of four 3-point attempts (76.9%). Rakim Chaney chipped in with a triple-double, providing a balanced performance that helped his team's early lead hold steady.

Murray State countered with an impressive display of shooting accuracy and athleticism, led by Roman Domon's 20 points. JJ Traynor contributed to the effort with six rebounds, while Javon Jackson managed three assists amidst his own 18 points.

The statistical disparity between the two teams was most pronounced in free throw conversion rates, where Murray State outshone Valparaiso 82-67. This edge proved pivotal as the game's final minutes played out with the visiting Owls needing to secure a narrow victory.

Valparaiso ultimately failed to overcome their deficit, losing by six points despite an aggressive defensive effort that resulted in four blocks and five steals.

This conference matchup marked one of the most competitive games of the season so far, leaving fans eager for more of these intense battles.