Murray State Basketball: 3 keys for Round of 64 matchup vs. San Francisco

Win the rebounding battle

Murray State has a lot of flash and pizzaz, but they win with grit and rebounding. They team-rebound with a passion. Second-chance points are huge for this team that gets contributions from more than just their ‘big three’.

McMahon’s team led the OVC in rebound margin and were sixth nationally, outrebounding their opposition by over eight per game, and were eleventh nationally in offensive rebounding percentage.

But it is ‘team rebounding’ that is Murray’s secret sauce. While Williams leads the way with nearly nine rebounds per game, Brown (5.5), starting forward D.J. Burns (6.5), and sixth man Trae Hannibal (5.0) that makes this a team approach.

Murray State is not a big team, but approach rebounding as if each rebound could be their last meal. Burns is 6’7 and Hannibal just 6’2. Technique and desire are the hallmarks to Racer rebounding success.

Opposing offenses are making just over 30% of their long-distance attempts so Murray and San Francisco can both shut the opposition’s long-range game down. Rebounding in traffic and from odd places on the floor due to long rebounds becomes a critical component to this game.

Murray State is both well-disciplined and plays with passion. When the Racers are playing free and easy, with grit and determination, they are difficult to defeat. Getting the ball to Williams, freeing their three-point shooters, and crashing the glass will give them a great chance to prove, once again, that they belong on this dance floor.