Morehead State vs Murray State 2/12/22 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds

The 23^rd ranked Murray State Racers will travel to Ellis T. Johnson Arena to take on the Morehead State Eagles this Saturday afternoon in College Basketball action.

The 23^rd ranked Murray State Racers won their 13^th straight game and improved to 23-2 on the season after defeating the Tennessee State Tigers, 73-62, this past Thursday. Murray State struggled in the 1^st half against Tennessee State and went into halftime trailing by a 36-29 margin, however, the Racers dominated the Tigers on both ends of the court in the 2^nd half and pulled away after taking a 62-49 lead with 6:48 left in regulation. Murray State shot 47.4% from the field & 35.3% from beyond the arc while allowing Tennessee State to shoot 44.6% from the field & 28.6% from beyond the arc. Leading the way for the Racers was KJ Williams who had 39 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, & 2 blocks.

On the season, Murray State is averaging 80.9 ppg on 48.3% shooting from the field. The Racers are averaging 8.3 three-pointers per game on 35.5% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Murray State has been led by KJ Williams (17.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.5 spg), Tevin Brown (17.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.4 spg), Justice Hill (13.6 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.0 spg), & Trae Hannibal (8.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.2 spg).

Defensively, Murray State is holding their opponents to an average of 62.9 ppg on 41.0% shooting from the field. The Racers have a rebound margin of 7.8 and a turnover margin of 3.1.

The Morehead State Eagles had their 3-game winning streak snapped and dropped to 19-7 on the season after being defeated by the Belmont Bruins, 48-47, this past Thursday. Morehead State went into halftime with a 29-22 lead, however, the Eagles really struggled on the offensive end in the 2^nd half and Belmont was able to secure the victory after Grayson Murphy hit a game-winning floater with :05 seconds left in regulation. Morehead State shot 32.7% from the field & 40.0% from beyond the arc while allowing Belmont to shoot 30.5% from the field & 16.7% from beyond the arc. Leading the way for the Eagles was Johni Broome who had a double-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, & 2 steals.

On the season, Morehead State is averaging 70.3 ppg on 46.1% shooting from the field. The Eagles are averaging 8.4 three-pointers per game on 36.9% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Morehead State has been led by Johni Broome (16.7 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 1.2 apg, 3.7 bpg), Tray Hollowell (11.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.8 apg), Skyelar Potter (11.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.8 apg), Ta’lon Cooper (9.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 6.2 apg).

Defensively, Morehead State is holding their opponents to an average of 63.4 ppg on 41.2% shooting from the field. The Eagles have a rebound margin of 4.6 and a turnover margin of -1.7.

The Racers are 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss & 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. The Eagles are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 50 points in their previous game & 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Murray State is a talented team that I’m sure no Power-5 school is going to want to face in the NCAA Tournament as the Racers have been strong on both ends of the court, however, I do think the Racers are going to have their hands full in this one. Morehead State is a perfect 12-0 at home this season and as we saw against Belmont, has no trouble slowing down the game and forcing opponents to play their style of basketball. Morehead State is ranked 74^th in FG%, 38^th in scoring defense, & 76^th in defensive FG% and as I think the Eagles will be able to keep this game competitive, I’m taking Morehead State and the points. Good Luck!