Murray State is back in the NCAA's for the 14th time with a 30-4 record and the auto bid from the OVC. The Racers have an RPI of 59 and all 4 losses came on the road. Can they do something they've only done once in their previous 13 trips (1988 over NC State), win a game?
They have a shot. They play both sides of the ball wall ranking 25th in scoring and 29th in defense. The FG% offense (2nd), 51% shooting and FG% defense (14th), 38.8% is outstanding as well. On the interior, they rebound well (21st) and block shots (17th). They obviosuly didn't play great competition but they won't get pushed around. They also rank 5th in the nation in steals.
The big blemish is they turn the ball over way too much (264th) and don't make many 3's (164th) but the % made is okay at 37%. But competition withstanding (262nd SOS), this is a solid team.
To say the Racers embrace the team concept, might be an understatement. Nobody scores more than 11 a game and 6 average 9 or more a game.
If the matchup is right, they are more than capable of springing a trap (In honor of Popeye Jones).
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