MURRAY, Ky. - The Nicholls State University men's basketball team had five players score in double figures and posted its best offensive showing of the season but could not keep pace with Murray State as the Colonels were defeated 99-79 on Saturday evening.

An 11-0 run in the first half put Murray State (4-0) up for good. The Racers led by as much as 17 in the period before Nicholls (0-4) clawed back to make it 48-45 early in the second. But again, an 11-0 spurt gave Murray State a double-figure cushion as they cruised to victory. 

Nicholls shot 42 percent from the field and made eight three-pointers at a 33.3 percent clip for their season high in points. However, Murray State, which came into the contest averaging over 90 points, shot 58 percent and connected on 12 of 22 from three-point range. Both teams fared well at the line but the Racers were plus-14 with 25 made free throws.

Sophomore Jalik Dunkley led the Colonels with 18 points on 9 of 15 from the field while Trae English added 17 points. Sincere Malone finished with 15 points and he and Dunkley each tallied five steals. Christian Winborne (14) and Jaylen Searles (13) rounded out the leading scorers.

Murray State was fueled by Frederick King who had a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds, going 8 of 8 from the field. He also accounted for five blocks in the win. Javon Jackson chipped in with 23 points and three steals.

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Nicholls will head to Oklahoma State next weekend for its fifth consecutive road game to open the season. Tipoff on Saturday, Nov. 22 is scheduled for 2 p.m.