This is the opener for both in the Charleston Classic. This is Murray's first real test of the year. They start seniors and a junior, and have nothing but six freshmen coming off the bench. The starters are really good -- but it's the freshmen that will be the key. A couple have played very well so far against very weak early-season competition.
The bottom line: Murray is the best team in the OVC and Auburn is the worst in the SEC. If Murray is going to have any chance to have another great year, this is an absolute must-win game. I think they coast by double-digits.
If I'd known Murray would be up 38 and playing five freshmen for the final 7:00 of the game, I'd have bet my kidney. If only I had a working crystal ball.
I hope everybody had a good night.
CBB OVC:
Murray State -4...WINNER
Murray State -3...WINNER
ASU has four starters back this year and all signs point to them making a leap this year. A week ago, I thought UTM had a a chance to be a sleeper team in the OVC -- but then starting point guard Terence Smith broke his ankle Sunday at Cincinnati. Without him Wednesday, UTM got smacked around for a half by a D3 team. UTM won just 3 games last year without Smith who was sidelined because of a heart condition. They just don't who they are right now without him. I know who they are -- not good.
I'll take the Red Wolves to get off to a fast start here and coast home.