MURRAY, KY - FEBRUARY 09: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers in action against the SIU-Edwardsville Cougars in the first half of the game at CFSB Center on February 9, 2019 in Murray, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)Two of the best players in the country will be on display this afternoon, as Markus Howard and Marquette face Ja Morant and Murray State. While the Golden Eagles will be favorites heading into this showdown, the Racers could certainly pull off the upset.
Marquette recently fell short in the semifinal of the Big East Tournament. When Howard isn’t breaking down opposing defenses with his jump shot, the Golden Eagles are quite vulnerable.
Murray State on the other hand is fresh off its conference championship win over Belmont. Role players such as Tevin Brown and Shaq Buchanan played a huge factor, and they’ll have to perform well this March Madness.
Howard might be a better overall scorer than Morant, but the Murray State guard sets up his teammates very well. The sophomore finished the regular season averaging 10.0 assists per game.
The Racers might advance to the next round, but ESPN will side with the Golden Eagles for this game.
According to ESPN’s matchup predictor, Marquette has a 65.5 percent chance of defeating Murray State.
Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET from XL Center.
Winner of this matchup faces Florida State in the Round of 32. The Seminoles are coming off a close victory over Vermont in the opening round.
