After overcoming a double-digit deficit, free throws from Murray State were the difference in a narrow 67-63 loss by the Vikings on Saturday, Nov. 23.
The showdown started off scoreless for the first three minutes until Kayla Jones went to work in the post, scoring a layup. Murray State's offense got going, particularly from beyond the arc, as they went on a run, and took a 12-7 lead late in the first quarter. Madison Martin cut it to 12-9 with a layup. Murray State closed the quarter on a 6-0 run, and the Vikings trailed 18-9.
A pair of offensive rebounds led to a layup from Martin to open the second quarter, but the Vikings found themselves trailing by double digits early on, but continued battling.
Shaki Abdulazeez, and Madison Carter both hit three's, Jones hit a layup, and after a steal from Abdulazeez hit another layup to cap a 10-0 run and tie the game at 23. Both teams traded baskets for the remaining six minutes of the half, and the Vikings trailed by just two at the break. 
Murray State came out hot in the second half, outscoring the Vikings 21-9, to take a 54-40 lead heading into the final quarter.
The Viking deficit became 57-40 in the opening moments, but they didn't waver. Jones scored four straight points, and Carter connected on a three to cut the deficit to 12. Carter later hit another three to cap a 10-2  Viking run, and pull within single digits.
Later in the quarter, with the Vikings trailing by six, Susan Fahnbulleh drove the lane and hit the layup, and on the ensuing possession, grabbed the offensive board for another layup and the Vikings trailed by just two. After a defensive stop, Carter gave the Vikings the lead with another three pointer to lead 63-62 with 1:08 to play. 
A layup from Murray State out of the timeout, gave the lead back, and Martin just missed the go-ahead three. After intentionally fouling, the Aggies of Murray State sealed the game at the free throw line.
Jones led the Vikings with another double-double, finishing with 16 points and 11 rebounds, Carter finished with 14 points (4-6 from beyond the arc) and Martin had 12 points and four steals.
The Vikings will close out their mini home stand against Eastern Oklahoma State College on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Tip-off from Viking Gym is set for 4pm.