Murray State vs. George Washington preview
MBB: It's the Racers' final game at the Cayman Islands Classic
Murray State will look to return home with one win under their belt as they challenge George Washington in the final game of the Cayman Islands Classic. Here’s what you need to know:
Murray State (4-3 overall) vs. George Washington (6-1 overall) at 6:30pm CST in John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Cayman Islands
KenPom rankings: Murray State #120; George Washington #60
Bart Torvik rankings: Murray State #121; McNeese #51
Series history: First meeting
You can watch the game on FloSports. You’ll need to sign up for a monthly subscription for $19.99 that will give you access to stream the games, live and on demand.
Kenny Roth and I will have the radio call, with the pregame show starting at 6:00pm CST. You can listen to the game here: https://player.amperwave.net/2845
Vegas line: George Washington -7.5
Murray State Scouting Report
The Racers have dropped their first two games here in Cayman, the first time in the young season they’ve lost back-to-back games.
Sunday against Middle Tennessee, defensive rebounding did in Murray State. Last night against McNeese, it was 20 turnovers that led to an early 20-0 Cowboy run and delivered an early knockout punch to the Racers.
Tonight’s game is as much about this Murray State team as anything. The team appeared to be a little shook early in last night’s game, as McNeese overwhelmed many Racers with their relentless pressure. By the time the Racers were able to get their sea legs under them, the game was all but lost.
It feels like the Racers just need to have something good happen tonight against GW. This is a high-powered Murray State offense that last night scored a season low 60 points, and only put up 17 points in the first half. If there’s anything that shows that the guys need a little boost of confidence, it’s the free throw line. This Murray State team came The Cayman Islands shooting 80% from the line as a team. In the first half of both the Middle Tennessee and McNeese games, the Racers made a combined 12-of-28 from the stripe for 42.9%. Shooting can be contagious, both good and bad, and hopefully the Racers can make some shots early tonight, build some confidence, and get the offense rolling again.
George Washington Scouting Report
After the Revolutionaries lost to McNeese on Sunday, they got back in the win column with a victory over Middle Tennessee last night. Ranked #60 in KenPom, GW is the third Top 100 team the Racers have faced this year, joining SMU and McNeese.
George Washington can score in bunches, as they’re averaging nearly 91 points per game. They are 34th in the country in three-point percentage (39.1%), and 23rd in America in two-point percentage 61.4%.
GW is led in scoring by Garrett Johnson, who averages 15.2 points per game. The Revolutionaries are as deep and balanced of an offense as you’ll see, as they have nine different players averaging at least 7.4 points per game. They are also another strong offensive rebounding team the Racers will have to deal with, as they grab 37.2% of their missed shots, which is good for 49th in the country.
I’ll have a ‘Ride Home’ podcast podcast after the game.