Murray, Ky.– Ademola Adeniji rushed for a career-high 197 yards on 35 carries and Micah Rucker caught 11 passes for 153 yards to help Eastern escape with a 27-24 win at Murray State.

The Panthers (4-3, 3-1 Ohio Valley Conference) led 6-3 at halftime and 20-10 in the fourth quarter. But the Racers (1-5, 0-3) got back in the game after forcing Eastern punt returner Alicus Nozinor to fumble with 14 minutes, 2 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

The Racers recovered the ball at Eastern’s 14, and Charlie Jordan scored from five yards out three plays later to make it 20-17.

Adeniji answered for the Panthers, scoring on an 18-yard run, his third rushing touchdown of the game, to give Eastern a 27-17 lead with 9:07 left.

But the Racers scored late, with Jeff Ehrhardt hitting Rod Harper on a 20-yard touchdown pass with 19.6 seconds left.

But wide receiver Joel Evers recovered Murray’s on-side kick attempt to preserve Eastern’s win.

Eastern quarterback Bodie Reeder went 21-for-29 for 203 yards and a touchdown pass.

Ehrhardt finished 23-of-37 for 192 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Jordan had 131 yards on 20 carries for the Racers.

The Panthers are still a game behind Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee State in the OVC standings. TSU beat Tennessee Tech 45-28 on Thursday night and Eastern Kentucky beat Southeast Missouri 44-17 on Saturday afternoon.

The Panthers get back into action next Saturday with a 1:30 p.m. Homecoming game against Tennessee-Martin.

Check out dennews.com on Sunday night for more coverage of the Panthers 27-24 win at Murray State.