Murray State University Athletics
Racers' Cronin Expects Major Challenge At Western Kentucky
12/6/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
As one of just 13 unbeaten teams in all of Division I basketball, the Murray State Racers have obviously adjusted to first-year Mick Cronin and his fast-paced style of play. And, with a win at Conference USA member TCU on Wednesday night, the team proved it can win on the road.
But on Sunday, when the 5-0 Racers travel to face 0-4 Western Kentucky, Murray State will get another test: facing a long-time rival desperately in need of a win in a hostile environment.
"We're happy with our start," said Cronin. "Obviously, we've got a big rivalry game on Sunday and we've got two days to prepare. It'll be a tough challenge because anytime you're trying to beat somebody who's back is against the wall, you know you're definitely going to get their best shot, which is okay. It'll just make us better. So, hopefully, it'll be a war and we'll come out of there with a win."
MSU began the season 4-0 at home after winning by an average of 28 points per game. They proved they could handle a difficult road environment in knocking off TCU. That the Racers are off to one of their best starts in five years is proven in the numbers. MSU ranks No. 2 nationally in scoring margin (24.2 ppg), fourth in scoring offense (86.8 ppg) and seventh in field goal percentage (55.9%). The Racers also received one vote in the latest Associated Press Top 25 Poll.
Individually, Cuthbert Victor leads the nation in field goal percentage, hitting 76.7% of his shots from the field. The 6-foot-5 senior forward also is ranked 13th nationally in rebounding at 10.2 rebounds per game.
More than the numbers, Cronin is more excited about his team's attitude and will to win.
The Racers cleared a major hurdle at TCU, battling foul trouble and some cold shooting to pull out a 73-67 victory. In addition to knocking off its second-straight Conference USA opponent (MSU beat Southern Miss 94-54 last Saturday at home), Cronin was most pleased with how his team battled when faced with adversity.
At his weekly press conference on Monday, Cronin pointed to the play of senior forward Chris Shumate. A starter last season, Shumate has been coming off the bench while he waits for his shooting touch to return. Wednesday at TCU, with starters Adam Chiles and Kelvin Brown in foul trouble, Shumate contributed in many different ways.
"He's not getting down on himself or looking to get himself some points," said Cronin. "He found a way to help his team win the game, which reflects what these guys have been about so far. They've been a lot of fun to coach.
"The officials had to tell our guys on the bench to sit down like 30 times in the second half because of they're energy. It makes it fun to coach when the guys are really pulling for each other."
MSU will likely need that same energy Sunday at Western Kentucky. Under first-year head coach Darrin Horn, the Hilltoppers are winless on the season after falling 93-63 to Louisville on Thursday. It was just the latest lost against a schedule which featured games at Auburn, Virginia Commonwealth and a home game against Mississippi State.
"The tough thing about sports is that you can play well and not win. Watching tape on Western Kentucky last night and this morning, they've played well, especially in certain games," noted Cronin. "I think they've already played against the best two teams in the SEC West. They've may have already played the Conference USA champs because Louisville was picked to win in the preseason.
"I'll just say that they may be the best 0-4 team in the history of college basketball."
Western is led by 6-foot-11, 320-pound center Nigel Dixon, a transfer from Florida State. He averages 14.8 ppg and 7.3 rpg. Senior guard Mike Wells, the only returning starter from last year's 24-9 NCAA Tournament team, averages 13.5 ppg. Cronin expects the play in the post between Dixon and the Racers' Brown, who is listed a 6-7, 220 pounds, as a key in the game.
"I think it could come down to who stays out of foul trouble between Kelvin Brown and Nigel Dixon," explained Cronin. "That could come down to a matter of style and how the game is played, and it could certainly be the key."
Cronin said, despite the 'Toppers' 0-4 start, that his team would in no way be overlooking the Hilltoppers, who have manhandled MSU the last two times the Racers visited E.A. Diddle Arena. Plus, he added, it's a rivalry game and his veteran team knows what's at stake when the Racers meet perhaps their biggest rival.
"The one advantage I have with our guys is that they know -- more than I do because most of them have played Western before -- but they know that it's going to be a war," said Cronin. "They know it's a big game, and they know Western's not really an 0-4 team. Our guys know what they're up against, and they're sending that message to Kelvin (Brown) and Adam (Chiles), the two guys that really haven't played in this rivalry."
