The Murray State Racers, boasting an 18-8 overall record and a 10-5 conference mark, are looking to bounce back from a pair of losses in their last three games, including a 75-68 defeat to Belmont. Meanwhile, the Indiana State Sycamores, with a 10-15 record and 3-11 conference standing, are seeking to end a two-game skid and capitalize on the home-court advantage at the Hulman Center, where they have a 7-6 record this season. The Sycamores' recent form has been concerning, with a 1-4 record in their last five games, including a 70-65 loss to Valparaiso. With the Racers favored by 3.5 points, according to DraftKings, this matchup promises to be a closely contested affair, with the over/under set at 164.5 points.
Murray State Racers Have Dominated Indiana State Sycamores in Recent Years, With a 7-3 Record in Their Last 10 Meetings
The game is scheduled to take place on February 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET at the Hulman Center in Terre Haute, Indiana, and will be available to stream on ESPN+. The Murray State Racers, led by their high-powered offense, which averages 78.5 points per game, want to exploit the Indiana State Sycamores' defense, which has allowed an average of 74.2 points per game.
The Murray State Racers have been one of the top teams in the Missouri Valley Conference, with a 10-5 record in conference play. They boast a strong quad record, with a 3-2 mark in Quad 2 games and a 6-4 record in Quad 3 games. The Racers' NET ranking of 96 is a reflection of their consistent performance throughout the season, with notable wins over teams like Belmont and Missouri State. However, their recent form has been a concern, with a 2-3 record in their last five games, including a 65-62 loss to Southern Illinois. The Racers want to get back on track against the Sycamores, who they have dominated in recent years, with a 7-3 record in their last 10 meetings.
Key Matchups
The Indiana State Sycamores, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency, with a 10-15 overall record and a 3-11 mark in conference play. Their quad record is a major concern, with a 0-1 record in Quad 1 games, a 1-4 record in Quad 2 games, and a 1-6 record in Quad 3 games. The Sycamores' NET ranking of 219 reflects their struggles, but they have shown flashes of brilliance, including a 77-75 win over Loyola-Chicago. With a 7-6 record at home, the Sycamores want to capitalize on their home-court advantage to pull off an upset against the Racers. The Sycamores have been led by their strong rebounding, which averages 37.4 boards per game, and want to use this to their advantage against the Racers.
The key matchup in this game will be the Murray State offense, which averages 78.5 points per game, against the Indiana State defense, which allows 74.2 points per game. The Racers' offense is led by their 45.1% field goal percentage, which ranks 50th in the nation, while the Sycamores' defense has struggled to contain opponents, allowing a 44.5% field goal percentage. The pace of the game will also be crucial, with the Racers averaging 72.1 possessions per game, while the Sycamores average 69.4 possessions per game. If the Sycamores can slow down the Racers' offense and control the tempo, they may be able to pull off an upset. The Racers have also been strong from beyond the arc, shooting 36.2% from three-point range, while the Sycamores have struggled to defend the three, allowing opponents to shoot 35.1% from beyond the arc.
CHD Scout Prediction
Murray State
80
Indiana State
76
For the Murray State Racers, players like DaQuan Smith, who averages 14.5 points per game, and Jordan Skipper-Brown, who averages 12.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, matters in this matchup. Smith has been on a hot streak, scoring 20 or more points in three of his last five games, including a 25-point performance against Belmont. For the Indiana State Sycamores, players like Julian Larry, who averages 12.8 points per game, and Robbie Avila, who averages 10.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, must step up if the Sycamores are to pull off an upset. Larry has been cold of late, scoring in single digits in two of his last three games, but want to bounce back against the Racers.
Tournament Stakes
According to the CHD Scout prediction, the Murray State Racers are favored to win by 3.9 points, with a 36.7% win probability for the Indiana State Sycamores. This prediction reflects the Racers' strong offense and the Sycamores' struggles on defense. However, the Sycamores' home-court advantage and their ability to rebound the ball effectively may give them a chance to pull off an upset. The Racers' recent form has been a concern, and if they can't get back on track, the Sycamores may be able to capitalize.
This game has significant tournament implications for both teams. A win for the Murray State Racers would boost their quad record and strengthen their case for an at-large bid, while a loss would deal a significant blow to their tournament hopes. For the Indiana State Sycamores, a win would be a much-needed quality victory, improving their quad record and giving them a chance to build momentum heading into the conference tournament. The Sycamores' current quad record, with a 0-1 mark in Quad 1 games and a 1-4 record in Quad 2 games, makes this game a must-win if they hope to make a push for the tournament.