Busting Brackets
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NCAA Tournament: Biggest storylines for mid-major programs

By Jerran Anderson

RICHMOND, KY - FEBRUARY 16: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers is seen before the game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at CFSB Center on February 16, 2019 in Murray, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
RICHMOND, KY - FEBRUARY 16: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers is seen before the game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at CFSB Center on February 16, 2019 in Murray, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

2. Ja Morant vs. Markus Howard on the Opening Day

The Murray State Racers and Marquette Golden Eagles are a first-round matchup that is must-see TV. In the ever-elusive 5/12 game, the No. 5 seed Golden Eagles will face the No. 12-seed Murray State Racers.

Point guard Ja Morant will face off against another NBA Draft prospect in Markus Howard. Morant is producing 24.6 points, 10.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals per contest this season. and has been a highlight-reel all season long for his squad.

Howard is averaging 25.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest. As floor generals for their respective squad, whoever wins this on-court matchup will see a victory for their respective club.

Morant and Howard aren’t the only talents on the floor, either. Murray State also has Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year Shaq Buchanan at their disposal. Buchanan has become quite the two-way threat, averaging 13.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game in 2018-19.

On Marquette, there’s forward Sam Hauser, who’s been a terror for opposing teams on the wing. He’s putting up 14.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game for the Golden Eagles. Marquette is shooting 39.3 percent from 3-point range as a team, which ranks 10th in the nation.

The Racers have an opportunity to shock the world on Thursday. Be sure tune into TBS at 4:30 pm on the east coast.

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