NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Austin Luke and Dylan Windler each scored 21 points and Belmont Bruins used 14 3s to pull away from Murray State Racers in the second half of their Ohio Valley Conference battle Thursday night to claim sole possession of first place.

The Bruins, Racers and Austin Peay were all tied at 5-1 atop the conference going into Thursday's action. The Governors lost to Tennessee State.

The Racers held a 32-38 advantage at intermission and Ja Morant's 3 with 12:20 left gave Murray State a 51-50 lead, but Nick Hopkins sparked a 12-2 run that put the Bruins solidly in charge.

Windler was 5 of 8 and Luke hit 4 of 6 from distance to lead Belmont (14-6, 6-1), with Mack Mercer adding 15 points.

Jonathan Stark scored 19 points to lead Murray State (13-5, 5-2). Terrell Miller Jr. added 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds and Jalen Dupree added 12 points and grabbed 13 boards.

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