Tournament season has arrived in college basketball, and Murray State will attempt to secure their spot in March Madness through the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
After losing to Indiana State on Sunday, the Racers will be the No. 8 seed in “Arch Madness” and are scheduled to take on Missouri State today at noon.
The Racers finished the regular season with a 12-19 record and a 9-11 record in conference play. Meanwhile, the Bears finished the season 16-15 overall, with an 8-12 record in MVC play.
In the two matchups during the season, Murray State defeated the Bears both times, with the biggest win coming at Missouri State when the Racers won 77-53.
Over the season, the Racers have averaged 70.9 points per game, while allowing 70.2, a slim margin for the Racers to work with. Meanwhile, the Bears have averaged 72 points per game, while allowing 72.3 points per game. While that is a negative point margin across the season, it’s still a higher average of PPG over the Racers.
The Racers have had four players averaging double-digit points this season, with senior guard Quincy Anderson leading the pack by averaging 1312.8 points per game. Senior guard Rob Perry follows close behind with 12.5 points per game, with junior guard JaCobi Wood averaging 12.2 PPG and junior forward Nick Ellington averaging 11.6 PPG.
On the Missouri State side, junior guard Alston Mason led the way by averaging 17.6 PPG and earning All-MVC Third-Team honors. Senior guard Donovan Clay averaged 12.8 PPG, followed by junior guard Chance Moore with 10.9 PPG.
Where the two teams differ most and what may lead to a victory for the Bears is the rebounding numbers. Missouri State averages 39.1 rebounds a game, while the Racers average 32.7 rebounds. That’s almost a seven-rebound differential per game.
It’s hard to beat a team three times in a season, but the Racers will be up to the task as they take on the Bears at noon on Thursday in St. Louis, Missouri. The game will be broadcast on Bally Sports and ESPN+.
