Wright State shot 38.2 percent (21 of 55) from the field, including a frigid 3 of 18 from 3-point range. The Racers outrebounded the Raiders 41-25.
“Murray State was prepared for the game,” Wright State coach Scott Nagy said. “They ran their sets and when it came to us making the plays, we just didn’t make them. The questions is how will you respond to it, will they let it carry over and will they make a stand?”
Mark Hughes scored 16 points and Loudon Love had 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Raiders (1-1). Cole Gentry added 11 points and had five steals.
The Raiders jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead on a pair of Love buckets inside and Hughes’ three-point play inside, but the Racers recovered to take control of the first half and take a 35-29 into the break.
They extended their lead to double figures (45-34) in the first five minutes of the second half. WSU rallied to within 45-41 on a pair of Hughes layups and a 3-pointer by Bill Wampler, but Murray State answered with a 15-4 run over the next four minutes to take a 60-45 lead with 9:17 to play.
Ja Morant scored a game-high 26 points and dished out 11 assists for Murray State, which was playing its season opener. Tevin Brown hit five 3-points and finished with 17 points and Darnell Cowart added 11 points.
Murray State shot 54 percent from the field, including 10 of 22 from 3-point range.
Wright State hosts Toledo at the Nutter Center on Wednesday night.
WEDNESDAY’S GAME
Toledo at Wright State, 7 p.m., 106.5
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