The Racers closed out their season at The Bank with a win over the University of Evansville on Saturday, Feb. 28. This win capped off an undefeated home season for the first time since 2008-2009, and as the outright regular season champions, secured the number one seed for Murray State in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament set for Mar. 12-15. The team still has two more games this season: first at UIC at 7 p.m. on March 5, and the regular-season finale at Valparaiso on March 7.
With this being the final home game of the season, the team honored its seniors: team managers Trey Boggess and Evan Quertermous, and the sole senior player, Briley Pena. As every senior day is, it was a bittersweet and emotional goodbye to an integral part of the team.
After the emotional start to the afternoon with the senior day ceremonies, the Racers won the opening tipoff and the game was off to the races. A back and forth first quarter was ended with a 9-2 run from Murray State, tying the game 18-18. The second quarter was much of the same story, with the Racers holding the largest lead of the quarter 41-37, and the score at half being 44-43 with Evansville leading.
The second half was a much different story than the first, with the Racers taking the lead at the 6:29 mark in the third quarter and running with the lead from there, ending the quarter leading 72-61.
The Racers ended the game scoring 27 points in the fourth quarter, going undefeated at home for the second time in program history, and officially earning themselves the title of MVC regular season champions for the second consecutive year.
Final score:
Racers – 99
Purple Aces – 80
