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Murray State keeps rolling with easy win over Jacksonville State

Jan 13, 2012 - 9:07 AM Murray, KY (Sports Network) - Donte Poole scored a game-high 21 points, and No. 15 Murray State defeated upset-minded Jacksonville State, 66-55, to surpass the best start in school history.

Ed Daniel added 11 points and nine rebounds, while Isaiah Canaan and Zay Jackson chipped in 10 points apiece for the undefeated Racers (17-0, 5-0 OVC), who made up for a sub-par shooting night by getting to the foul line 35 times.

Murray State shot just 2-for-11 from three-point range but made 24 free throws and forced 20 turnovers.

"It's not going to be pretty every night," Murray State head coach Steve Prohm said. "I'm proud of my guy's resiliency and their ability to compete and stay in there to win that basketball game."

Brian Williams led Jacksonville State (6-13, 1-5) with 18 points, but it wasn't enough to knock off one of college basketball's three remaining unbeaten teams.

Jacksonville State never led, but stayed within striking distance to make things interesting.

The Gamecocks trailed by two, 25-23, at intermission, and even had a chance to take the lead 2 1/2 minutes into the second half.

Williams, though, made just 1-of-2 at the foul line to knot things at 28-all, and the Racers scored eight of the next nine points to stay in front.

On several occasions Jacksonville State pulled within two possessions, but Murray State's 11-2 run essentially put the game away.

Jackson's three-pointer capped the stretch and provided a 61-48 cushion that was not seriously threatened over the final four minutes.

Game Notes

Murray State's 1935-36 team also started out 16-0...The 17-game winning streak also ties Murray State's all-time record, set originally during 2009-10...The Racers have never lost to Jacksonville State in 16 meetings...The Gamecocks have lost five of six overall.