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Watch now: Murray State holds off late charge by Illinois State, Dusan Mahorcic

MURRAY, Ky. — There is no denying Illinois State had a chance to stop Murray State's long home court winning streak.

While the Redbirds didn't, they walked out of CFSB Center on Saturday night encouraged about what lies ahead this season.

ISU drew within five points late before missing two opportunities to get closer. Murray State, the co-favorite in the Ohio Valley Conference, was able to recover and walked away with a 76-65 victory.

"We had momentum and I thought we were close to winning the game or get tied," said junior center Dusan Mahorcic, who made a sparkling debut with the Redbirds.