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MURRAY, Ky. – Jeremy Granger dropped in a floater in the paint with 3.2 seconds left as Eastern Illinois (8-10, 4-4 OVC) picked up a rare win at Murray State on Thursday night. The Panthers won 61-60 over the Racers (12-6, 5-3 OVC).
EIU is now 2-19 all-time at Murray State with the only other win coming on Jan. 17, 2002.
Murray State jumped up to a 52-45 lead with 6:37 left before Granger knocked down a pair of free throws. Following two missed opportunities to cut into the lead with back-to-back turnovers, EIU was able to get a steal by Curry McKinney which sparked a defensive run.
EIU held Murray State without a field goal for the final 10:17 of the contest and the free throw line came back to haunt the Racers as they hit only 18-of-32 from the stripe. The Panthers were 15-of-19 from the line including a 4-for-4 night by Granger and 8-of-10 night by James Hollowell.
A pair of Hollowell free throws cut the lead to 52-51 and Shaun Pratl gave EIU the lead with a lay-up at 3:58. B.J. Jenkins tied the game at 57-57 before Pratl put the Panthers back up by two with a dunk.
Isacc Miles hit two free throws to put Murray State up 60-59 to set the stage for Granger's heroics.
Murray State opened the game with a 6-1 run to open the game before Granger hit eight straight points to spark a 10-0 EIU run. The score was tied at the half, 27-27, despite MSU shooting 55 percent from the field in the first half. EIU was able to convert 18 MSU turnovers into 23 points. Granger had 18 points to lead all scorers.
Hollowell had 16 points and 9 rebounds for the Panthers who won the battle on the boards by a 33-26 margin. Jenkins led Murray State with 15 points.
EIU returns to action on Saturday with a 6 p.m. game at UT Martin.