Murray State University Athletics
Racers hold final scrimmage before playing north of the border
8/30/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
As the Murray State Racers prepare for their first trip out of the country since 1997, they held a public scrimmage Tuesday at the Regional Special Events Center.
About 200 fans enjoyed seeing the returning players and the four newcomers who have joined the program since the end of last season.
With referees working the game to make it almost like the real thing, the Racers split into a blue team and a white team and played four five-minute segments, with the white team winning unofficially 53-47. The high scorers included Darnell Hopkins with 17, Justin Orr with 18 and freshman Tyler Holloway with 10.
Head coach Mick Cronin and team will fly to Ottawa Friday.
"I was pleased with the effort our guys gave tonight," Cronin said. "I'm looking forward to the trip. This is kind of like spring football. I asked our football coach, Joe Pannunzio, and he told me to use the extra practice to get our system in, and we'll be that much ahead when practice starts for real in October."
The Racers will play three games in Ottawa. Saturday at 2 p.m., they face off with Royal Military Academy. On Sunday at 1 p.m., the Racers face Ottawa University before playing Carleton University at 7 p.m.
"I thought, with having nine players back from last year's team, this trip would be a good idea," Cronin said. "This will be a great way to improve as a team and have some bonding among the new guys with the returning guys."
Once they return, the Racers begin practice again Oct. 15 and have their first exhibition game on Nov. 5.
The Racers open the regular season Nov.19 at Cincinnati.
