The upcoming game between the Murray State Racers and the Drake Bulldogs is set to be a thrilling showdown in college basketball. Scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. EST, this matchup sees the Racers hosting the Bulldogs at their home court in Murray, Kentucky. Drake enters the contest with an impressive record of 20-2 overall and 10-2 in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), while Murray State has a 11-12 record with a 5-7 standing in the MVC.
Drake's recent performance has been bolstered by Bennett Stirtz, who delivered a remarkable 30-point game leading to a 75-65 victory over Southern Illinois Salukis. This standout performance sets a high bar for the Bulldogs as they face off against the Racers who hold a 5-4 record in home games. However, Murray State has struggled at times, particularly when it comes to managing turnovers, with a season average of 11.3 per game.
Drake Bulldogs hold the fifth spot in the MVC for offensive rebounds, with Cam Manyawu leading the charge averaging 2.4 rebounds per game. On the other hand, the Racers have been proficient from beyond the arc, making an average of 7.7 three-pointers per game, which is significantly higher than the 5.4 three-pointers Drake typically concedes.
Among the top performers for Murray State, Jacobi Wood stands out with an average of 13.5 points and five assists per game. Meanwhile, his teammate AJ Ferguson has consistently contributed with 11.4 points and 5.2 rebounds over the last ten games.
Drake's squad also features notable players. Alongside Stirtz, who has been averaging 19.1 points in the recent matches, Manyawu has been a steady presence with 7.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
In examining the last ten games, there are significant contrasts between the teams. The Racers have managed a 4-6 record, scoring an average of 69.8 points per game but allowing opponents to put up slightly more at 73.3 points. This period was marked by efficient field goal shooting at 43.7%, along with notables such as 29.3 rebounds, 11.9 assists, and 6.7 steals per game.
In contrast, the Bulldogs have secured an 8-2 record during the same timeframe, excelling in both offense and defense. Their average stands at 68.4 points with a defensive allowance of only 60.2 points per game. Shooting has been a strength for Drake, reflected in their 48.1% field-goal conversion rate, supplemented by a solid defense with 9.7 steals and 2.7 blocks per game.
This game offers an exciting opportunity for Murray State to upset a high-performing Drake team. The Racers will focus on leveraging their home-court advantage and executing a strategic game plan to counteract the Bulldogs' potent offense and sturdy defense. As the teams prepare for tip-off, basketball fans can expect a competitive and captivating display of collegiate sportsmanship.