Staff Report
Senior Tony Easley’s 12 early points helped Murray State jump out to a quick 11-point lead en route to a 71-43 men’s basketball win over James Madison on Friday afternoon at Florida International’s U.S. Century Bank Arena as part of the 2009 2K Sports Classic benefitting Coaches vs. Cancer.
MSU improved to 2-1 on the season while JMU fell to 0-2.
Easley scored 12 points in the first 7:08 of the contest as the Racers pulled out to a 19-8 lead. He finished with 18 points, 15 in the first half, on 7-of-12 shooting from the floor and 4-of-6 at the free-throw line. Easley’s effort included a double-double with 10 rebounds, five blocks, and three steals.
The Racers put two other players in double figures as senior Danero Thomas finished with 12 points, five boards, and three assists. Freshman Isaiah Canaan also posted 12 points.
Sophomore forward Julius Wells (Toledo, Ohio/Libbey) led JMU with 11 points, including three three-point field goals. Freshman guard Darren White (Danville, Va./Dan River) added nine points, including 5-of-6 shooting at the free-throw line.
JMU will be off on Saturday before then facing host Florida International on Sunday at 6 p.m. The Dukes also square off with North Carolina Central on Monday afternoon at 4 p.m.