The Missouri Valley Conference welcomed a new addition to its ranks in the 2022-23 season with the Murray State Racers joining the league. One of the great benefits of this move is the renewal of the rivalry between the Racers and the Southern Illinois Salukis. With passionate fan bases, the two games played each season are sure to be must-see competition.
The first meeting between the two teams took place on December 29th, where the Salukis ended the Racers’ 20-game home win streak with a 63-57 victory at the CFSB Center. Entering Tuesday’s game, SIU has won seven in a row at home and won away from home Saturday 61-57 at Missouri State. The Racers handled Indiana State at home Saturday 82-73. SIU shares The Valley lead at 8-2 with the Racers part of a group of five teams at 6-4, trying to gain ground with 10 games left in the 20-game league season.
One of the key factors in the Racers’ recent success has been their proficiency from the free throw line. In their win over Indiana State, the Racers earned 33 free throw attempts and made 28 for a clip of 84 percent, their best this season in the 11 games in which they have attempted 20 or more. The Racers lead the MVC in attempts and made free throws per game with averages of 14.4 and 19.5. The Racers’ percentage of .735 is second in the MVC (Illinois State is first at .801). Murray State’s Rob Perry is second in the league by hitting 85 percent (40-47) this season and JaCobi Wood is eighth at 82 percent (65-79). The Racers outscored the Sycamores by 16 points from the free throw line in Saturday’s win.
Tuesday’s game is sure to be a thrilling match-up between two teams with a lot to prove as the Racers will be looking to avenge their previous loss to the Salukis, while the Salukis will be looking to continue their winning streak and solidify their position at the top of the Missouri Valley Conference. With both teams boasting strong performances from the free throw line, it will be interesting to see how this aspect of the game plays out in the Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois.
One thing is certain, the passionate fan bases of both teams will be in full force, creating an electric atmosphere in the arena. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, Tuesday’s game is sure to be a nail-biter from start to finish. Whether you’re a fan of the Murray State Racers or the Southern Illinois Salukis, this is a game you won’t want to miss. So mark your calendars for Tuesday at 7 p.m. and get ready for an unforgettable game of college basketball.
Game Information
Opponent: Southern Illinois Salukis Site (Venue): Carbondale, Ill. (Banterra Center)
Date/Game Time: Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023/7 p.m.
Audio: WFGS Froggy 103.7FM PxP: Neal Bradley, Analyst: Kenny Roth
TV: ESPN+ PxP: Noah Reed Analyst: Mike Trude
Live Stats: GoRacers.com Twitter In Game: @MSURacers
MUR Record (Streak): 11-9, 6-4 MVC (W1) SIU Record (Streak): 16-5, 8-2 MVC (W4)
MUR Last Game: Won 82-73 home vs Indiana State (Jan. 21)
SIU Last Game: Won 61-57 at Missouri State (Jan. 21)
All-Time Series vs. SIU: Racers trail 20-19 Racers trail 5-11 away (last win away – 2018 80-52)
First Meeting: 1929 SIU won at MSU 46-37 Last Meeting: 2022 SIU won away 63-57
Last Overtime: 2016 SIU won at home 89-85
Last MSU Win: 2019 MSU home at home 79-66 Last SIU Win: 2022 SIU won away 63-57
Largest MSU Win: +24 home 1932 (51-27) Largest MSU Loss: -29 at SIU 2002 (85-56)
Last Five vs SIU: MSU 3-2 Last 10 vs SIU: Tied 5-5
Next MSU Game: Jan. 28 home Missouri State Next MSU Road Game: Feb. 4 at Indiana State
Next SIU Game: Jan. 29 at Illinois State Next SIU Home Game: Feb. 5 vs Missouri State
Murray State Racers 11-9 (6-4) MVC)
Head Coach: Steve Prohm
Alma Mater: Alabama (1997)
at MUR: 5th season (115-38)
Career: 11th season (212-133)
Missouri Valley: 6-4
Southern Illinois Salukis 16-5 (7-2 MVC)
Head Coach: Bryan Mullins
Alma mater: Southern Illinois (2009)
at SIU: 4th season (60-50)
Career: Same
Missouri Valley: 32-32
