Murray State Basketball Edges George Washington 94-93 in Thrilling Overtime Showdown

Murray State basketball secured a heart-stopping 94-93 victory over George Washington in overtime at the Cayman Islands Classic on November 25, 2025. The dramatic win came at John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Grand Cayman. Senior guard Javon Jackson led the Racers with 22 crucial points.

The victory handed George Washington its first loss of the season. It marked a significant momentum shift for Murray State in the early tournament.

Jackson’s Clutch Scoring Powers Racers to Victory

Javon Jackson was the offensive catalyst for the Racers. He shot 9-19 from the field and delivered key baskets throughout the contest. His steady presence guided a young Murray State roster through intense pressure.

George Washington’s Rafael Castro countered with a monster performance of his own. Castro poured in 26 points and secured 11 rebounds. His effort nearly carried the Revolutionaries to an overtime win.

The game was a back-and-forth battle from the opening tip. Neither team led by more than seven points at any stage. According to ESPN’s official box score, the contest featured 13 lead changes.

Team Effort Seals Narrow Win for Murray State

Beyond Jackson’s scoring, Murray State won with rebounding and defense. The Racers outrebounded George Washington 39 to 30 for the game. Forward Fred King grabbed a team-high 9 boards to anchor the paint.

Murray State also forced 10 turnovers while committing just 7 of their own. This possession advantage proved critical in a one-point game. The Racers shot an efficient 52% from the field overall.

George Washington shot 50% but could not overcome the rebounding deficit. Support came from Christian Jones with 14 points and Bubu Benjamin with 10. Their balanced attack fell just short at the final buzzer.

A Statement Win for the Racers’ Season

This win boosts Murray State’s record to 4-3 on the young season. It provides a major confidence builder against a previously undefeated opponent. The team’s resilience in a neutral-site tournament environment is a positive sign.

For George Washington, the loss drops their record to 6-1. The game demonstrated their competitive level but highlighted areas for improvement. Their season remains promising despite the narrow defeat.

The atmosphere in the Cayman Islands was electric for this early-season clash. Fans from both schools created a postseason-like environment. The high-level play lived up to the tournament’s billing.

Murray State basketball showed its mettle by closing out a tight game against a tough foe. This 94-93 win could be a defining moment as the Racers build their postseason resume.

Thought you’d like to know

Where was the Murray State vs. George Washington game played?

The game was played at the John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Grand Cayman. It was part of the Cayman Islands Classic tournament. The neutral-site event attracts several college teams each year.

Who was the leading scorer for Murray State?

Senior guard Javon Jackson led all Murray State scorers with 22 points. He achieved this on 9-19 shooting from the field. His performance was vital to the one-point victory.

What was George Washington’s record after this loss?

The loss to Murray State dropped George Washington’s season record to 6-1. They were previously undefeated. Rafael Castro led the Revolutionaries with 26 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

How did Murray State perform in rebounding?

Murray State dominated the boards, outrebounding George Washington 39 to 30. Forward Fred King led the team with 9 rebounds. This physical advantage was a key factor in the close win.

What does this win mean for Murray State?

The victory improves Murray State’s record to 4-3 this season. It serves as a quality win against a strong opponent. The experience of winning a close game will help in conference play later.