Hilltoppers fall victim to hot three point shooting, can’t in at Murray State

By many accounts, this is a game the Hilltoppers could have won. They shot over 50% in every aspect – 52% from the floor, an even 50% from beyond the arc and nearly 70% from the free throw line – had four double digit scorers, grabbed 27 rebounds and turned the ball over less than 15 times, but even still couldn’t win at Murray State, losing their fourth straight attempt 93-81.

The game began with shades of the Minnesota game at the very beginning of the season. The Tops started slow but it wasn’t much due to a lack of their offensive opportunities. Rather, it was the Racers who shot lights out from three point range, hitting 57% from beyond the arc in the first half, and at one point had a 20-8 lead over WKU. The first half also included a 19-0…yes, you read that right…run for Murray St.

The Tops came roaring back in the second half, however, coming back from a 20 point deficit to come within four, but the Racers would keep the Toppers at bay from there, and would eventually win by their eight point margin. The Racers also had four double-digit scorers, and was lead by a pair of Racers with 24 points – Jarvis Williams and Cameron Payne, who both are the only two averaging double figures for the Racers on the year.

The Tops, once again, were lead in scoring by T.J. Price (21 points) and George Fant (19), the guys who need to be leading WKU. Even in the loss, they were behind the comeback in the second half, and if not for the hot shooting by Murray, this might be a Tops’ win we’re talking about. Also joining Price and Fant in double-figure points were Chris Harrison-Docks (15) and Trency Jackson (13).

Not an ideal result, but again, what are you going to do with such hot perimeter shooting? The Tops made it a game and that’s all we can ask for with a team who’s had the struggles they’ve had to start the year. The time is not now to panic. Is it?