Ja Morant Makes Surprise Appearance As Murray Racers Beat Missouri State

Ja Morant Poster Day was made better when the Memphis Grizzlies NBA All-Star made a surprise visit and the Murray State Racers earned a 74-71 win over the Missouri State Bears at the CFSB Center in Murray, Ky.

The Racers (12-10) pushed their mark in the Missouri Valley Conference to 7-5. MSU remains at The Bank Wednesday when the Belmont Bruins visit for a 7 p.m. tip.

Brian Moore, Jr., and Rob Perry each scored 17 points, while MSU got 16 points from Jamari Smith and 12 from DJ Burns to help the Racers improve to 8-1 this season at the CFSB Center.

In a game that had nine tied scores, the Racers created separation in the final three minutes of the first half and the first three of the second. Kenny White scored down the lane to put the Racers in front 37-35 at halftime and Burns scored a three-point play when MSU began the second half on a 7-3 run to lead 44-38 with 16:36 remaining. Tied 53-53 at 11:39, the Racer defense performed well and held the Bears scoreless for the next five minutes. White scored four points and Burns had another three-point play and the Racers were in front 66-58 with 3:02 left. The Racers made six-of-seven from the free throw line to finish the win.

Murray State photo.