Feb. 7, 2004

Box Score

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Despite leading throughout most of the game, the Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team fell 80-74 to Murray State.

After five early lead changes, and five ties, the Indians (10-11, 3-7 OVC) took the lead with 11:02 left in the first half on a three-pointer from junior Dainmon Gonner. Southeast would go up by as many as 12 on three different occasions, including at the half when the Indians led the Racers 42-30.

In the second half, Murray State (19-4, 9-1 OVC) slowly chipped away at the Indian lead, and tied it 66-66 on a layup by Kelvin Brown with 3:37 left in the game. The bucket was part of a 19-1 run for the Racers. Murray closed out the run by taking a 76-66 lead on a dunk by Brown. Southeast would score eight of the next 10 points. However, it was too little too late for the Indians.

Gonner led all scorers as he put in 22 points. Senior Brandon Griffin posted a double-double with 13 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Damarcus Hence and Derek Winans each scored 11 for Southeast in the loss.

Murray was led by Adam Chiles, who scored 16 points, thanks in large part to a perfect eight-for-eight from the free throw line. Brown put in 14 and Antione Whelchel scored 13. Cuthbert Victor led Murray with 10 boards to help the Racers out rebound Southeast 41-33.

Southeast made just seven of 28 from three-point range in the game, but shot a near-perfect 11 of 12 from the free throw stripe.

Southeast's next matchup is Tuesday against Eastern Illinois. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. at the Show Me Center.