MURRAY, KY. - Murray State outscored SIUE 27-7 in the final nine minutes of the first half and went on to an 81-56 victory over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Wednesday night.
         SIUE fell to 1-2 on the season and next faces Saint Joseph's in Rensselaer, Ind., on Saturday at 3 p.m. Murray State improved to 3-0.
         Ron Jones led the SIUE offense with 14 points. Jones has now scored double digits in 14 of his last 15 games as a Cougar dating back to last season.
         Murray State had four players in double figures. Cuthbert Victor recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Kelvin Brown led all scorers with 22 points.
         SIUE committed 28 turnovers and foul trouble hurt the Cougars. Tim Bauersachs and Tyler Hackstadt both fouled out for the second straight game. Dan Heimos and Dan Lytle both finished with four fouls apiece.
         The Cougars shot nearly 45 percent from the field. Murray State outrebounded SIUE 42-24, including 19 offensive rebounds. The Racers outscored SIUE 19-2 on second-chance points.
                -siue cougars-