Murray State basketball fans were treated to a show Wednesday night as the Racers defeated the Brescia Bearcats in Racer Arena 90-69.
It was the first time since 1998 that Murray State played basketball in the arena, and the fans showed out and got loud after multiple highlight plays. The players expressed their gratitude and how it felt to play in the arena.
“It was very electric and very loud,” senior guard Rob Perry said after the game. “It gave a boost of electricity that allowed us to get the job done. It felt like we could feel the players of the past with us. We went on a run in the second half and it felt like we were in those old videos we’ve been watching. It’s just unbelievable to be in that moment.”
Junior guard Brian Moore Jr. added how exciting it was to get to play in such a historic place in Murray State history.
“This was just amazing,” Moore said. “There’s so much history here. So many wins and so many great players that got to play here. I’m just glad to be a part of Racer history, being the first team to come back and play here. I definitely felt the spirit of the past uplifting us in the second half.”
The game was close in the first half as the Racers went into halftime up 39-36. But in the second half, Murray State made multiple defensive stops to propel them to a 21-point lead. Perry was one of the main contributors, making three three-point shots in the game, including back-to-back trey balls in the second half.
“My teammates did a hell of a job getting me open,” Perry said. “It took a bit to get used to shooting here. So once I got open, I was just trying to make shots. But I’m just proud of my teammates tonight. They executed well and played hard. They helped pull this victory off.”
Moore led the team in scoring with 18 points on six baskets and a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line. He said he really just went out there and played his game.
“My game is that New York grit,” Moore said. “Just getting to the rim, finishing in contact. That’s just what I do. The guys did a job of getting me open and clearing the lane to score and opening up my game.”
Head Coach Steve Prohm ended the night talking about the special occasion. He said it was very special, and he hopes that one day, the team can play an actual game in the arena rather than an exhibition.
“Can we play a real game in here?” asked Prohm with a smile on his face. “We would be more than happy to do that. It got pretty loud in here and that was a lot of fun.”
Murray State officially begins their scheduled games on Monday, Nov. 6, when the Racers host the Eagles of Midway University. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in the CFSB Center.
