VALPARAISO, Ind. -- Jordan Coleman had 16 points and Vashil Fernandez added 14 off the bench as Valparaiso held on to defeat Murray State 77-74 Friday night.

Coleman was 4 of 7 from the floor and a perfect 8 for 8 from the line in the season-opener for the defending Horizon League champions.

Valpo led by as many as 12 in the second half before Jeffery Moss hit two free throws to pull the Racers within two with 42 seconds to play. The Crusaders then ate 31 seconds off the clock before LaVonte Dority made a layup to give Valpo a 4-point lead with nine seconds remaining.

Dority then fouled Cameron Payne, who made both free throws to again pull the Racers within two.

Clay Yeo answered by making one of two free throws, but Moss turned the ball over to end the game.

Payne led all scorers with 21 points.