MURRAY, Ky. (Interstat) — In a game defined by its frantic final minute, the Murray State women’s basketball team survived a furious comeback bid by Southern Illinois to secure a 79-75 victory on Thursday night at the CFSB Center.

The Racers, who led for over 38 minutes, saw a once-comfortable double-digit lead nearly vanish in the closing seconds before clutch free-throw shooting sealed their 19th win of the season. Southern Illinois, which had lost to Murray State by 13 points just two weeks prior, fell to 6-13 despite a relentless second-half effort.

Murray State established control early behind the interior presence of Sharnecce Currie-Jelks. The 6-foot-2 forward from Jackson, Tennessee, scored 20 points, including several key baskets in the paint, and added two blocks and two assists. Her performance anchored a Racer offense that, while not always efficient, generated enough offense to maintain a lead.

Southern Illinois struggled to find consistent offense in the first half, trailing 39-31 at the break. The Salukis were plagued by turnovers, which Murray State converted into 22 points, a decisive 15-point advantage in that category. The Racers’ lead ballooned to 13 points in the third quarter, but the Salukis refused to fold.

The comeback was spearheaded by guard Alayna Kraus. The Okawville, Illinois, native played a game-high 39 minutes and poured in 23 points, repeatedly hitting tough jumpers to keep Southern Illinois within striking distance. Indya Green added 16 points for the Salukis, who dominated points in the paint, 36-18, and clawed their way back into the game.

The fourth quarter became a tense back-and-forth affair. Every time Murray State threatened to pull away, Southern Illinois answered. A driving layup by Kayla Cooper, who finished with 12 points, cut the Murray State lead to 70-68 with just over two minutes to play.

The game’s critical sequence unfolded in the final 40 seconds. Trailing 74-72, Southern Illinois had a chance to tie or take the lead, but a missed layup was followed by a crucial defensive rebound by Currie-Jelks. Fouled immediately, she sank both free throws to push the lead to four with 27 seconds left.

After a quick Southern Illinois free throw made it 76-75, Murray State’ Halli Poock was fouled. The Waterloo, Iowa, guard, who finished with a team-high 21 points, calmly made both attempts with 12 seconds remaining to restore a three-point cushion. Southern Illinois’ last-gasp attempt to force overtime, a 3-point shot by Hiba Malkawi as time expired, missed, and Keslyn Secrist secured the victory with a final free throw.

Poock’s all-around line included 21 points, three assists, and steady ball-handling against persistent pressure. Haven Ford provided vital support for Murray State with 18 points, including several baskets that halted Southern Illinois runs.

The victory, played before a crowd of 1,494, keeps Murray State firmly in the upper tier of the conference with a 19-3 record. Southern Illinois, despite the loss, showed significant fight against a heavily favored opponent, carrying momentum from recent wins into a narrow defeat on the road.

Murray State travels to face Belmont on Saturday. Southern Illinois continues its road swing at Illinois-Chicago on Feb. 5.