MURRAY, Ky. --- Tennessee Tech's first meeting of the season with Ohio Valley Conference foe Murray State did not go the way the Golden Eagles would have liked as the Racers took the 76-72 victory Saturday evening.

TTU will look to get even with MSU during the regular season finale Feb. 25 at Eblen Center.

Tech (6-12, 2-3 OVC) went into the locker room with a 10-point hole to climb out of and nearly did just that as they pulled within one at 54-53 with nine minutes left in the second half. 

Murray State (5-11, 2-3 OVC) kept its composure during the final nine minutes of the contest as the Racers outscored the Golden Eagles 22-19 in that span to secure the victory.

Mariah Robinson stole the show for the Racers as she dropped in a team-high 24 points, including an impressive 6-of-13 showing from beyond the arch, to go along with eight rebounds.

Kyra Watson and Erica Burgess also made an impact for the Racers as they combined for an additional 31 points for MSU. Burgess finished with 18 points, while dishing out a game-high seven assists, while Watson added 13 points and six rebounds.

TTU senior Tacarra Hayes recorded her 11th career double-double as she tallied 24 points, while shooting 10-of-13 from the line, and 12 rebounds. Hayes' 24 points represents the sixth time this season, and second time in as many games, she has eclipsed the 20-point plateau.

Senior Brittany Darling finished just one rebound shy of her seventh career double-double as she notched 16 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore Jala Harris posted 12 points as well. Harris, who has played in eight games at Tech, has scored at least 10 in every game as a Golden Eagle.

The Golden Eagles wrap up their regular season non-conference schedule Tuesday, as they travel to Western Kentucky for a 7 p.m. tip.

TTU then returns home Saturday Jan. 21, to take part in an OVC doubleheader against Southeast Missouri with the women's game slated for 5:30 p.m. and the men's game set for 7:30 p.m.

For information or tickets, please visit or call the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center at (931) 372-3940.