March Madness 2022: Murray State edges San Francisco 92-87 in overtime

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Games like this require veteran leadership, which KJ Williams and others delivered for Murray State.

Williams scored six of his 18 points in overtime after Murray State blew an eight-point lead late in regulation, and the seventh-seeded Racers extended their winning streak to 21 games with a 92-87 victory over San Francisco in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night.

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"That game defined our team," Murray State coach Matt McMahon said. "That’s just who they are. They find ways to win. Their toughness and will to win is incredibly special. I’m proud of them for their fight. We battled some foul trouble. Battled some cramps. Different guys stepped up."

The Racers (31-2) tied South Dakota State for the longest winning streak in the nation this season. With SDSU's loss to Providence earlier Thursday, Murray State can edge ahead in Saturday's East Region second-round game against Saint Peter's. The 15th-seeded Peacocks toppled Kentucky 85-79 in OT.

Murray State players celebrate as San Francisco forward Josh Kunen (10) walks off the court at the end of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Friday, March 18, 2022, in Indianapolis. Murray State won 92-87 in overtime.  (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

The nightcap in Indianapolis was just as tight, with 18 lead changes and 14 ties in a contest that ended early Friday morning. Murray State ultimately took control with Williams' clutch baskets and Jordan Skipper-Brown's timely plays in the extra session.

Skipper-Brown in particular drew praise from McMahon and Williams.

"Skip came a long way with his