MURRAY, Ky. -- Jonathan Stark scored 30 points, Ja Morant added 14 and Murray State won its ninth straight, defeating Tennessee Tech 75-65 Saturday night and keeping pace with Belmont atop the Ohio Valley Conference.

The Racers last loss was 79-72 at Belmont Jan. 18. Murray State (22-5) and Belmont are 14-2 in conference.

On Saturday, Murray State never trailed, led by as many as 16 and used a quick surge to put the game away in the final minutes. Tennessee Tech had closed to within 64-57 when Stark was fouled on a 3-point attempt. He made all three free throws, Terrell Miller Jr. followed with a trey and, in 81 seconds, the Racers bumped a seven-point lead to 13.

Curtis Phillips led Tennessee Tech (17-12, 9-7) with 15 points before being disqualified on a Flagrant 2 foul with 1:22 remaining. Courtney Alexander and Mason Ramsey added 14 apiece.

Stark, the OVC scoring leader, made five 3-pointers, went 9 of 9 from the line and completed his fourth-straight game with 27 points or better.