USIU Suffers 103-55 Loss to Murray State

DAYTON, Ohio — U.S. International hit the low point of an already dismal season with a 103-55 loss to Murray State in the opening round of the US Air Classic Friday. The 48-point blowout was by 20 points the Gulls’ worst loss of the year.

The Racers (9-2) cruised into today’s championship game behind an 18-point, 20-rebound performance by Popeye Jones. USIU (1-11) will face Stephen F. Austin, a 90-83 loser to tournament host Wright State, in the consolation game.

Murray State also shut down USIU’s only proven offensive weapon, holding guard Kevin Bradshaw to a season-low 16 points, which led USIU. Bradshaw, who entered the week third in the NCAA with a 33.4 scoring average, made only six of 23 shots from the field. Gull freshman guard Jeff Polinsky added 13 points.

Murray State, leading 7-6 early, scored 24 unanswered points and led at halftime, 43-17. The Racers shot 53.9% from the field while holding the Gulls to 26.5%. Frank Allen (16 points) and John Jackson (10) also scored in double figures for Murray State.