UTM suffered an 89-70 Ohio Valley Conference setback Saturday night thanks to host Murray State.

The loss drops the Skyhawks to a game below .500 in the conference standings at 4-5. Murray State improves to 5-3 in the OVC.

The Skyhawks never challenged the host Racers in the game. Murray States Antione Whelchel knocked down a three-pointer with 7:39 to play in the first half and Murray led by 13 points.

The difference in the contest was Murray's inside attack. The Racers outscored the Skyhawks 20-8 in the paint and enjoyed a 43-34 lead at the half.

UTM's Earl Bullock knocked down four three-pointers in the first half and was three-for-three at the free throw line. Bullock finished the first half with 15 points.

In the second half, the Racers continued to pound the ball inside. Murray outscored the Skyhawks 28-8 in the paint in the second half.

Bullock was limited to one three in the second half and he finished the game with 18 points to lead all Skyhawk scorers. Senior Joey Walker also finished in double digits. Walker added 13 points.

Murray State outrebounded the Skyhawks 45-27. The Racers grabbed 19 offensive boards. James Singleton led Murray's effort with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Chris Shumate led the Racers in scoring with 19 points, while Cuthbert Victor knocked down 18 points. Rick Jones also poured in double-digits with 12 points. The Racers shot 53 percent from the field and 33 percent from the three-point arch. You can catch the Skyhawks when they return to action this Saturday when they go into action at Tennessee Tech. at 7 p.m.