Western Kentucky holds off Murray State 83-72 Eds: APNewsNow. Western Kentucky 83, Murray State 72.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) A.J. Slaughter had 20 points and a career-high nine assists to lead Western Kentucky to an 83-72 win over Murray State on Tuesday night.

Steffphon Pettigrew added 18 points and nine rebounds and Jeremy Evans chipped in 15 points and nine boards for the Hilltoppers (6-4).

B.J. Jenkins scored 15 points to lead the Racers (9-3).

In a game that featured 12 lead changes and nine ties, Western Kentucky used an 11-2 run to pull away from Murray State in the second half after leading 36-35 at halftime.

After committing 25 turnovers against Louisville on Saturday, Western Kentucky had just 11 against Murray State, which had won nine of its last 10 games.

The Hilltoppers, played without Sergio Kerusch, the team's second-leading scorer who broke his foot in practice on Friday.

They also did not play Anthony Sally or Cliff Dixon, but still managed 22 points from their bench.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-22-09 2237CST | save this article / add to your favorites list