Tuesday, March 3rd, 8:30 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Regional Special Events Center (7,800) -- Murray, Kentucky. Television: Local. Home Record: TSU 8-6, Murray State 11-2. Away Record: TSU 4-11, Murray State 6-6. Neutral Record: TSU 0-0, Murray State 1-3. Conference Record: TSU 9-9, Murray State 13-5. Series Record: Murray State leads, 39-15.

GAME NOTES: The third-seeded Murray State Racers will try to continue their success in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament when they host the sixth- seeded Tennessee State Tigers this evening in first round action at the RSEC. The Tigers could be one of the hottest teams entering the postseason in the OVC, as TSU is riding a six-game winning streak. The last time Tennessee State was on the court, the team grabbed an 83-63 victory over Eastern Illinois, pushing its league record to an even 9-9 on the year. As for the Racers, they have an outstanding history in the OVC Tournament, winning 56 postseason games, while capturing an impressive 13 titles. This season the Racers storm into the tourney with a 13-5 league mark, winning seven of their last eight regular-season games. The Racers had no trouble against TSU, winning both meetings this season. Murray State holds a 39-15 lead over the Tigers in the all-time series, and that includes a 22-5 mark over the Tigers in games played in Murray.

The Tigers might be on fire heading into this matchup, but what has plagued this squad has been its terrible play defensively, as TSU is allowing 78.1 ppg, which ranks the Tigers last in the OVC. If the Tigers plan on having any success in the postseason the team will need Gerald Robinson and company to perform at a high level offensively. Robinson is currently leading the team with 17.6 ppg, and has also dished out 114 assists. Jerrell Houston is one of the more developed players in the frontcourt in the OVC, as the forward is contributing 14.0 ppg and a team-best 7.4 rpg. In the regular-season finale win over EIU, the Tigers used a 23-point showing from Darius Cox, and also received 19 points apiece from Robinson and Houston.

The Racers are an interesting team, as coach Bill Kennedy's squad relies mainly on tough defensive play in a conference that is filled with high- scoring teams. Murray State finished first in the OVC in scoring defense, holding opponents to just 62.7 ppg, which was three points better than the team in second, Eastern Kentucky. Murray State might not be as flashy as UT- Martin, but the team is just as hot, winning seven of its last eight games, finishing the year with a 13-5 OVC record. Where the team will likely have trouble is at the offensive end of the floor, as the Racers do not possess a go-to weapon. Danero Thomas is pacing the team with 12.2 ppg, while Isacc Miles is contributing 10.4 ppg and 109 assists.

Tennessee State is red-hot heading into this matchup, but the Racers' play defensively should be strong enough to tame these wild Tigers.

Predicted Outcome

Murray State 75, Tennessee State 66