The Murray State Racers (14-12) will close out the regular season on the road when they square off against the Austin Peay Governors (12-16) at Winfield Dunn Center. The game starts at 8:00 pm ET on Saturday, Feb. 20.
The Governors lost a tough one against UT Martin 85-84 the last time they played. Chris Horton recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds, earning his 21st double-double of the year. The Racers are coming off an 83-56 win over Southeast Missouri State in their last outing. Gee McGhee shot 9 for 11 and led in scoring with 23 points.
Over the last five games, Jeffery Moss has been on fire for the Racers. During that stretch, he has averaged 20.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 4.8 three-pointers.
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Governors won the first game 76-73. Horton recorded a double-double with 29 points and 10 rebounds.
The Governors are looking to improve on their records of 12-16 Straight Up (SU) and 9-13-1 Against The Spread (ATS). The Governors are a phenomenal shooting team from the line with 16.0 free throws made per game, one of the highest marks in Division I. The Austin Peay defense has been shutting down opposing offenses over the past 10 games, only allowing an average of 66.8 points per game, well under their season average of 75.8.
On the other side, Murray State has a SU record of 14-12 and an ATS record of 10-12-1. Most recently, Murray State is a meager 2-7-1 ATS over the last 10 games. The Murray State defense has allowed an average of 78.4 points per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 67.5.
Following the Governors’ latest win over Murray State, Austin Peay is still behind in the head-to-head record over their most recent meetings, 1-9 SU. The Racers also hold the advantage ATS with a record of 6-4. Murray State had the advantage in three key areas (field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers) twice over the last five matchups. Austin Peay has never had the edge in all three categories.
Predictions: SU Winner – Murray, ATS Winner – Murray
Notes
“Austin Peay is 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 games “.
“The total has gone OVER in 5 of Austin Peay’s last 5 games “.
“Austin Peay is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home”.
“Austin Peay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home”.
“Austin Peay is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing Murray State”.
“The total has gone OVER in 5 of Austin Peay’s last 6 games when playing Murray State”.
“Austin Peay is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against Murray State”.
“Austin Peay is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Murray State”.
“Austin Peay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Murray State”.
“Murray State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Austin Peay”.
Austin Peay scores an average of just 74.7 points per game (ranked 113th). Murray State ranks 66th in points allowed, giving up 67.5 points per game.
In its last game, Murray State won by a margin of 27 points. Austin Peay is 3-3 in games decided by a margin of 18 points or more. Murray State has a 3-0 record in blowouts.
Austin Peay has an average field goal percentage of 45.1%. Murray State is an underachieving 4-9 when opponents have a similar or higher field goal percentage.
The Austin Peay Governors rank higher based on their field goal percentage (120th) than their effective field goal percentage (185th). The Murray State Racers rank higher based on their effective field goal percentage (120th) than their field goal percentage (129th).
Austin Peay ranks 94th in offensive rebounding. Murray State ranks 329th in defensive rebounding.
Murray State has forced an average turnover percentage of 20.9% this season. Austin Peay has a losing 3-8 record when its TO% is 20.9% or higher.
