The Tennessee State Tigers and Murray State Racers open the 2026-27 college basketball season on Monday as part of the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Tipoff is at 11:30 a.m. ET.
Tennessee State finished 23-10 last season, tied for the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season title at 15-5, and went 3-1 on neutral courts. Their season ended with a 108-74 loss to Iowa State in the NCAA Tournament first round. Murray State finished 20-13, tied for third in the Missouri Valley Conference at 12-8, and was 3-3 at neutral sites, ending on a three-game losing streak including an NIT first-round exit.
Murray State is a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 165.5 points. The money line lists Murray State at -562 and Tennessee State at +440.
The SportsLine Projection Model, which has gone 11-1 on top-rated over/under picks since 2025, projects the total to go under 165.5, with 160 points expected and the under hitting in 63% of simulations. The model also indicates one side of the spread hits in nearly 70% of simulations.
Both teams feature significant transfer additions. Tennessee State adds center Aaron Bradshaw, guard Arterio Morris, and guard Ty-Laur Johnson (14.6 PPG at San Diego). Murray State brings in guard Kaden Magwood from Auburn and forward Brigham Rogers (7.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.7 APG at Belmont).
