As a lifelong basketball enthusiast and sports analyst, I’ve always been fascinated by the underdog stories that define March Madness. This year, one team that’s captured my attention—and my heart—is the Murray State Racers. Their journey to the NCAA Tournament has been nothing short of inspiring, and it reminds me of the kind of tenacity I’ve seen in international competitions like the Solidarity Cup, where New Zealand’s national team showed flashes of brilliance. Watching Murray State this season, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to how New Zealand handled their own challenges: securing two decisive wins, first beating Guangdong 90-66 and then Montenegro 89-82, before stumbling against Brazil in an 85-68 loss. That mix of triumph and setback is exactly what makes sports so compelling, and it’s a narrative that Murray State has embodied throughout their campaign.
Let’s rewind a bit. When the season tipped off, not many outside of Murray, Kentucky, gave the Racers much of a shot. They’d lost key players from last year’s squad, and their non-conference schedule looked brutal. But as someone who’s followed mid-major programs for years, I’ve learned never to count them out. The Racers started building momentum early, stringing together wins with a style of play that was both disciplined and explosive. Their offense, in particular, reminded me of New Zealand’s performance against Guangdong—a game where they dominated with a 90-66 victory by moving the ball efficiently and capitalizing on fast breaks. Murray State did much the same, using their guard play to break down defenses and create open looks. I remember one game in December where they shot over 50% from beyond the arc, a stat that had me texting fellow analysts with excitement. It’s that kind of shooting precision that can carry a team deep into March, and honestly, I think they’ve got the potential to pull off an upset or two.
Of course, no journey is without its hurdles. Midway through the conference schedule, the Racers hit a rough patch, dropping a couple of close games that had fans gripping their seats. It was during this stretch that I thought back to New Zealand’s loss to Brazil, where they fell 85-68 after leading early. That game showed how momentum can shift in an instant, and Murray State experienced similar swings. They struggled with turnovers in critical moments, and their defense—usually rock-solid—slipped just enough to let opponents back in. But here’s what impressed me: instead of folding, they regrouped. The coaching staff made adjustments, emphasizing ball security and half-court execution. By the time the conference tournament rolled around, they looked like a different team. In my view, that resilience is what separates good teams from great ones. It’s not just about talent; it’s about how you respond when things don’t go your way.
Now, let’s talk numbers, because as an analyst, I live for this stuff. Murray State finished the regular season with a record of 24-7, including an impressive 15-3 in conference play. Their average margin of victory hovered around 12 points, and they ranked in the top 30 nationally in scoring offense, putting up roughly 78 points per game. Compare that to New Zealand’s Solidarity Cup run, where they averaged about 82 points across their three games. While the contexts are different—international play versus college hoops—the underlying theme is the same: efficient scoring wins games. One stat that stands out to me is Murray State’s three-point percentage, which sat at a solid 38.5% by season’s end. That’s not just good; it’s elite, and it’s a big reason why I’m bullish on their tournament chances. If they can maintain that shooting touch, they’ll be a nightmare matchup for higher-seeded teams.
As we look ahead to the NCAA Tournament, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Murray State has all the ingredients for a Cinderella story: a dynamic backcourt, experienced coaching, and that gritty, never-say-die attitude. I’ve seen teams like this defy expectations before, and something tells me the Racers are poised to do the same. Sure, they might not have the blue-chip recruits of a Duke or Kentucky, but in a single-elimination format, heart and hustle can level the playing field. Reflecting on New Zealand’s Solidarity Cup experience—where they notched those two wins but fell short in the end—I’m reminded that success isn’t always linear. For Murray State, the tournament is a chance to write their own chapter, and I, for one, will be cheering them on. Whether they make a deep run or bow out early, their journey this season has already been a testament to the magic of college basketball.
