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Murray State Basketball: 3 reasons why Racers are “back” for 2021-22 season

By Harry Schroeder

Murray State’s Tevin Brown (10) takes three-point shot as the Murray State Racers play the Austin Peay Governors during their semifinal game of the Ohio Valley Conference championships at Ford Center Friday evening, March 6, 2020.Ovc Austinpeayvsmurray 08
Murray State’s Tevin Brown (10) takes three-point shot as the Murray State Racers play the Austin Peay Governors during their semifinal game of the Ohio Valley Conference championships at Ford Center Friday evening, March 6, 2020.Ovc Austinpeayvsmurray 08 /
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Murray head coach Matt McMahon Hpt Austin Peay Murray State Basketball 07
Murray head coach Matt McMahon Hpt Austin Peay Murray State Basketball 07 /

Murray State basketball is back. After an extremely difficult covid-impacted season, Matt McMahon’s team looks like the Ohio Valley Conference team we are used to seeing. Murray State is 3-and-0 after Tuesday’s win over Illinois State.

Last year’s 13-13 record was substandard for a team that typically records 20-win seasons and conference championships. MSU’s fifth-place finish ended a streak of three straight Ohio Valley Conference first-place finishes. The Racers hadn’t finished that low in a conference race since 1987.

The OVC power has played in two NCAA Tournaments during McMahon’s six seasons and has played post-season basketball seven times in the past eleven seasons. MSU has won 27 conference titles and 17 OVC Tournament championships.

They are used to winning and producing stars.

Ja Morant, Cameron Payne, and Isiah Canaan have all been NBA draftees since 2013. Those three and fellow guard Jonathan Stark combined to win five OVC ‘Player of the Year’ awards between 2013 and 2019.

Morant’s backcourt mate Shaq Buchanan is knocking on the NBA door trying to land a job with Morant’s current team. Buchanan is starring for the Memphis Grizzlies’ G-League team the Memphis Hustle.

McMahon’s team seems to have the right ingredients to have a special season. During Tuesday’s 77-65 win at Illinois State several of those reasons to believe the Racers are fully back as a mid-major power were on display.