Murray State Meets Long Time Rival Middle Tennessee
The Murray State Racers (6-1) host the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in a Saturday, December 4, 7 p.m. tip at the CFSB Center in Murray, Ky, where the Racers have won four straight games. It's Coach Cal Luther Day as fans remember the Racer great coach and director of athletics who served Murray State University from 1958 to 1974.
Remembering Coach Cal Luther
Saturday's game is Coach Cal Luther Day at the CFSB Center. The day will be a time to honor the memory of the great Racer coach who passed away in May 8, 2021 and is interminably linked as one of the builders of theLuther, Cal 6 Murray State program and the greatest men's basketball history in the Ohio Valley Conference. Coach Cal led the Racers from small school levels to NCAA D-I starting in 1958 and he led the program for 16 seasons through the 1973-74 season. He also served more than a decade as Athletics Director and spearheaded the construction of Roy Stewart Stadium in 1973. Coach Luther is the first of two special days at Racer Basketball in which a legend will be honored. Coach Ron Greene Day at the CFSB Center is set for Jan. 22 when Murray State hosts UT Martin. There is a special decal and chair cover at the Racer bench for the game.
What Has Happened Recently
The Racers defeated Campbellsville at home Monday 98-61 for their sixth win of the 2021-22 season. The last hot start to a season for the Racers was an 8-1 sprint to the beginning of the 2018-19 season. MSU has won 19-consecutive non-conference home games at the CFSB Center, since their last loss to Auburn on
Dec. 19, 2017. The Blue Raiders defeated UT Martin at home Wednesday night 73-61 to move to 7-1 and they come into The Bank Saturday on a four-game win streak. MTSU's only loss was at Stephen F. Austin (Nov 19) 87-74.
MSU vs MTSU Renew Series Again
From 1953-2000, the Racers and Blue Raiders did battle 97 times as members of the Ohio Valley Conference and the Racers won 70 of them. At home, the Racers are 55-13 all-time against MTSU. Since MTSU left the OVC (now playing in Conference USA) the Racers have won 6-of-11 meetings. A season ago the Racers were trying for three-straight wins over the Blue Raiders, but fell in Murfreesboro 78-61.
Having played twice per season for 47 seasons, the Racers vs Blue Raiders series (143 games) is the fifth-longest series in Murray State history behind only Tennessee Tech (181), Morehead State (166), Eastern Kentucky (164) and Western Kentucky (151).
When Tevin Brown Rains Threes
As Tevin Brown chases down the MSU and OVC career record for made 3-point baskets, his ability to turn a game in MSU's favor from the 3-point line is impressive. With 98 games played in the Blue and Gold, Brown has hit at least five 3-pointers in a game 15 times. MSU has won 12 of those 15 including the Nov, 9 game against Bellarmine where Brown nailed six long jumpers. In one stretch from Dec. 2019 to Feb. 2021, the Racers won eight-straight games when Brown hit five 3-pointers.
Massey Ratungs Prediction
Murray State 71 - Middle Tennessee 65