Box Score

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. (January 11, 2001) - Led by 20 points from preseason OVC co-player of the year Isaac Spencer, Murray State outlasted Southeast Missouri State 60-58 at the Show Me Center on Thursday night.

Murray (7-6, 2-0 Ohio Valley) and Southeast (9-6, 1-3) battled back and forth for the opening minutes and were deadlocked at 17 with 5:18 remaining before halftime. That is when the Racers woke up and went on a 14-6 run to lead 31-23 at the break.

Murray remained in control until a Michael Stokes free-throw with 8:43 remaining finally put the Indians back in front. The rest of the game was nip and tuck with both teams battling for the lead. Southeast would take as much as a three-point lead with 2:38 remaining on an Antonio Short jumper.

Spencer would not be denied, however, scoring back-to-back jumpers and making a steal to put the Racers back on top at 56-55. Following two Amory Sanders free throws, Antione Whelchel hit two huge free throws for Murray to put them on top for good.

Southeast had once last chance, after Chris Shumate missed the front end of a one-and-one. Stokes took the ball and quickly pushed it up court and had a good look, unfortunately Cuthbert Victor was there to swat away the jumper.

Spencer led all scorers with 20 points and a game-high nine rebounds. Victor added 14 for the Racers. Southeast was led by Short's 17, while Stokes chipped in 13 points and added five assists.

For the game Southeast shot 43% from the field and Murray shot 41%. Neither team shot well from the charity stripe, with Southeast shooting 61% and Murray shooting 67%.

This was the eighth straight victory for Murray State at the Show Me Center. The last time Southeast won at home was in 1992 when they defeated the Racers 80-75.