Henry Roldán
In the evening hours of this Saturday St. Peter’s and Murray State will face off for a spot in the Sweet 16 after both playing overtime in their respective first-round engagements. The Peacocks gave one of the great bells of this March Madness by leaving out Kentucky, seeded No. 2 in the East, by beating them 85-79. For their part, the Racers also had to play more than the count to defeat San Francisco 92-87.
Selections and Predictions for the St. Peter’s Peacocks vs Murray State Racers NCAA Basketball Championship Round 2 Game on March 19
- Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, Indiana
- When: Saturday, March 19, 7:45 PM ET
- Betting Line: St. Peter’s Peacocks (+8.5) vs Murray State Racers (-8.5)
St. Peter’s Peacocks Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 19-11
- Conference Record: 14-6
- Spread: +8.5
- Over/Under: Over 130
- Moneyline: +320
We shouldn’t be surprised to see how the Peacocks stopped Kentucky. When we look at this team, we can see that Saint Peter’s is among the top 15 teams nationally in both field goal and long-distance defense, plus they are one of the top 50 defenses in ball loss percentage and the nineteenth overall defense nationwide.
The problem is when we talk about their offensive. While the defense keeps games closed, the offense is primarily responsible for Saint Peter’s setbacks, as in the entire season only two played averaged more than 10 points and none exceeded 12 per game. However, against Kentucky two players exceeded 20 points (Daryl Banks with 27 and Doug Edert with 20) and in free throws, their greatest strength, they were almost perfect at 18 of 21.
Murray State Racers Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 30-2
- Conference Record: 30-2
- Spread: -8.5
- Over/Under: Over 130
- Moneyline: -400
The Racers are a very balanced team and not for nothing have just equaled this season’s mark nationwide with 21 wins in a row. While they had to suffer against San Francisco and saw their starting point guard, Carter Collins, injured and is a doubt for this Saturday, three players exceeded 15 points. Something they need to repeat against a defense as solid as Saint Peter’s.
Murray State doesn’t have many weaknesses as a team. Racers are above average from the free throw line, are in the top 50 for adjusted efficiency and also rank in the top 50 on tight efficiency defense. Without a doubt a tough battle for any rival.
JefeBet Prediction
The Peacocks have a very strong defense and Kentucky can attest to that. They must arrive packed for the duel, but I think they will find a very hard wall to climb. The Racers are a very well-rounded team on both sides of the court and have the offense that Saint Peter’s lacks. This time I’m going with the Murray State moneyline.
