A late free free throw with 18 seconds remaining from Murray State was the difference in a heartbreaking 63-62 defeat on Thursday, Dec. 11.
The final score indicated what a tight battle it was from the game's opening tip. Judah Peña got the Vikings on the board with their first field goal, converting a layup a short time into the game. A short time later, Caleb Alcineus buried a three from the corner for a 6-2 lead. Murray State took over the lead as the half progressed, leading by as many as eight,  but the Vikings stayed close. Farvens Ulysse buried a three to pull within five and Alcineus was good on a layup to draw the Vikings within 34-29 at the half.
The Aggies of Murray State maintained their lead in the second half. Alcineus connected again from three to bring the Vikings within two and later gave them the lead with a strong drive and layup. The second half was highly contested with each team answering what the other was throwing at them. The Vikings largest lead of the second half was three points, showing how points were hard to come by. With the Vikings trailing by three, Alcineus again was good from three to tie things at 62 with under a minute to play in regulation. Murray State drew the foul with 18 seconds, splitting their free throws and the Vikings buzzer beater attempt just missed.
Alcineus led the way with 17 points, Dupree Fletcher Jr had 14. Ulysse was the team's leading rebounder with seven.
The Vikings will close out 2025 with a matchup against NOC-Tonkawa on Saturday, Dec. 13. Tip-off is set for 4pm.