Racers win 8th straight, 81-77 over UIC in Chicago

After an undefeated December, MSU began the new year with a road win in Chicago.

Murray State Racers pushed their winning streak to eight with an 81-77 win on New Year's Day over the UIC Flames.

Fred King dominated inside for the Racers. The 6-9, 265-pound center scored 18 points and crashed the boards for 16 rebounds. Jevon Jackson added 16 and chipped in for 10 points.

Trailing 40-36 at the intermission, the Racers clawed back into the game with an 11-0 run that included a trio of 3-pointers from Miller, Jackson and Layne Taylor to push MSU in front 51-46 with 14:38 left in the game.

Jackson gave the Racers the lead for good when he drained a 3-pointer with 1:02 remaining at 75-73.

Late in the game, Racers Head Coach Ryan Miller challenged an out of bounds call with 18 seconds remaining. UIC initially appeared to be awarded possession, but the call was reversed as the Racers were able to get to the free throw line and extend the lead and ultimately get the win.

The Racers (12-3) remain undefeated in the Missouri Valley Conference at 4-0 as they come home Sunday to host Bradley in a 4 p.m. tip in the CFSB Center where they have won their last nine games.