University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
Murray State
Tigers Turn Back Racers 67-60
Dec 30, 2002 | Men's Basketball
Dec 30, 2002
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Chris Massie scored 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds Monday night as Memphis turned back tough Murray State 67-60.
As he did Saturday when the Tigers upset nationally ranked Illinois, Massie broke out in the second half, scoring 15 points with 10 rebounds. The senior center scored nine straight Memphis points in the opening four minutes of the second half, and the Tigers (7-2) never trailed again.
Murray State (6-3) was hampered by a 35.8 percent shooting performance, including 11-of-40 in the second half. At one point, the Racers went almost six minutes of the second half without scoring.
The Tigers were unable to extend the lead because they connected on only two of nine free throws in the Racers' scoreless stretch. The Tigers also missed all 10 of their 3-point attempts in the second half.
John Grice added 13 points for Memphis, while Billy Richmond had 11.
Chris Shumate scored 12 to lead the Racers, while James Singleton had 10. Both dealt with foul problems, and Shumate, who scored all 12 in the first half, missed all four of his shots after the break.
The two teams were tied 36-36 at halftime as Shumate scored his dozen, including five straight in one stretch that gave Murray State a 5-point lead early in the first half.
Meanwhile, Memphis searched for the right combination to improve an early lackluster performance.
The Racers would lead by as many as eight, 26-18, when Rick Jones hit a 3-pointer with 7:35 left in the half.
The Tigers reacted with their biggest run of the half, scoring nine straight points to retake the lead, 27-26, with just over five minutes left.
Grice led Memphis with 10 in the first half.
After halftime, Massie took over inside, scoring, rebounding and going to the line.
Memphis would lead by as many as eight in the second half.
