MURRAY, Ky. – Karris Bilal scored a career-high 30 points, but Murray State used a late first half run to create separation which allowed them to hold off TSU 99-78 Friday night.

Texas Southern battled Murray State early as both teams traded baskets and leads throughout the opening minutes. Vungo opened the Tigers' scoring with a dunk before Bilal converted a fast-break layup to give TSU its first lead at 4-3. Cameron Patterson and Vungo added baskets as the teams remained tied at 8-8.

The Tigers continued to compete offensively, but Murray State began finding its rhythm from beyond the arc. Brayden Shorter provided the Racers with a major offensive spark, connecting on seven first-half three-pointers as Murray State gradually established control.

Despite shooting 48.4 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from three-point range in the opening half, Texas Southern entered the locker room trailing 50-38. Murray State connected on 10 three-pointers before halftime to offset the Tigers' offensive production as they closed out the half on a 16-4 surge.

Texas Southern attempted to regain momentum after intermission, but Murray State opened the second half with a 14-6 run to extend its advantage. The Racers continued to capitalize on their size advantage inside while limiting TSU's opportunities on the defensive glass.

Bilal remained aggressive offensively throughout the second half, attacking the basket and creating scoring opportunities from the perimeter. Vungo also provided an inside presence, finishing 8-of-12 from the field while collecting four offensive rebounds.

The Tigers scored 40 second-half points but struggled to find consistency from long range, connecting on just 2-of-12 three-point attempts after halftime. Murray State maintained its double-digit advantage and eventually pulled away for the 21-point victory.

Texas Southern finished shooting 42.6 percent (29-of-68) from the field and 31.6 percent (6-of-19) from three-point range. The Tigers also forced 16 turnovers, recorded 10 steals and held a 22-5 advantage in points off turnovers.

However, Murray State dominated the rebounding battle 58-34, including a 22-8 advantage on the offensive glass. The Racers converted those opportunities into 21 second-chance points while also shooting 27-of-35 from the free-throw line compared to TSU's 14-of-22 performance.

Bilal led the Tigers (1-3) offensively, shooting 12-of-23 from the field and connecting on four three-pointers while adding four rebounds and three steals. Ben Vungo followed with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Trey Lewis contributed 10 points off the bench.

Jason Kimbrough Jr. added nine points and a team-high six assists for Texas Southern, while Xander Wedlow finished with five points, six rebounds and two blocked shots.

Texas Southern continues its road trip Monday, Nov. 16, against UC San Diego in La Jolla, Calif. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m.