Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Drake
Racers Open 4th Season in the Valley - Host Drake Thursday
12/17/2025 8:34:00 AM | Men's Basketball
MSU carries a seven game win streak at the CFSB Center into their MVC opener against the Bulldogs
The Murray State Racers begin their fourth season in the Missouri Valley Conference Thursday when they host the Drake Bulldogs at the CFSB Center.
The 12th game of the season finds the Racers winners of their last four games, including a 115-100 win last Saturday in Las Vegas over Akron at the Jack Jones Classic. The Racers connected on a school-record 18 3-point baskets.
Layne Taylor was named the MVC Newcomer of the Week for his efforts, which was MSU's third weekly award this season.
Thursday's game is Christmas at The Bank and the day will be filled with special promotions including a visit by Santa Claus when the doors to the arena open at 5:30 p.m. Santa will be available for photos up the 7 p.m, tip off.
Max's 641 Towing is leading the toy drive again this year and will be able collect donated toys and the annual Teddy Bear Toss will happen at halftime. Fans are encouraged to bring a stuffed toy to the game and donate it to the effort.
DRAKE AT MURRAY STATE
Venue:Â CFSB Center (8,600)
Site:Â Murray, Ky.
Game Day-Time:Â Thursday, Dec. 18 - 7 P.M. CT
Live Media Feeds
Racer Radio: Froggy 103.7FM, Froggy103.com (Jeff Bidwell & Kenny Roth)
Television:Â The Valley on ESPN (ESPN+) (CJ Lawrence & Rob Cross)
Stats: GoRacers.com & StatBroadcast.com
X:Â @RacersHoops
Drake Bulldogs  6-5 (0-0 MVC)
Head Coach:Â Eric Henderson
Alma Mater:Â Wayne State (2000)
at DU:Â 6-5 (1st season)
Career:Â 135-65Â (18th season)
Missouri Valley:Â 0-0
Record vs MUR:Â 0-0
Murray State Racers  8-3 (0-0 MVC)
Head Coach: Ryan Miller
Alma Mater: Northern State (2000)
at MUR:Â 8-3 (1st Season)
Career: Same
Missouri Valley: 0-0
Record vs DU: 0-0
MSU NOTES
- MSU's Layne Taylor was named the MVC Newcomer of the Week after scoring 23 points with eight assists in the Akron game and a big part of the Racers' record-setting day in the desert.
- MSU set their program record against Akron with 18 made 3-point baskets and secured their fourth-straight win.
- MSU is 5-0 at home this season with wins over MVSU, Nicholls, UALR, Morehead State and Bellarmine.
- MSU's current 7-game home win streak began by winning the final two home games last February.
- The Racers and Illinois State have the top home win streak currently in the MVC, each with seven in a row.
- St. Thomas (MN) has the nation's longest streak in NCAA DI at 23, while Duke (22), Miami (OH) (21), Akron (21) are all past 20 in a row at home.
- The Racers are No. 20 and No. 23 this week in the two mid-major top-25 polls.
- The Racers are first in the MVC in bench points, made 3-pointers, free throw attempts per game and scoring average.
- The Racers' 2025-26 season is the 101st in program history, the 28th in the CFSB Center and the fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference.
- Phase-1 of the recently planned renovation for the CFSB Center begins March 9.
- After Thursday's game, the Racers hit the road for the Hoosier State and a Sunday game at Valparaiso.
- The final game before Christmas for the Racers begins at 1 p.m. Central Time.
Among teams that have played in NCAA DI for 24 seasons, MSU is ranked No. 14 in winning percentage at .643 and No. 44 in victories with 1,752 at the start of the season.
Â
