The Streak Goes On - Racers Win at UIC On New Year’s Day

Thursday, January 1

Chicago, IL

8 p.m.

Murray State

12-3,4-0MVC

UIC

5-9,0-3MVC

Murray St.

UIC

Photo by: David Eaton-Murray State Athletics

The Streak Goes On - Racers Win at UIC On New Year’s Day

1/1/2026 11:58:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

After an undefeated December, MSU begins 2026 with a road win in Chicago

Murray State Racers pushed their winning streak to eight with an 81-77 win on New Year's Day over the UIC Flames at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago.

The Racers (12-3) remained undefeated in the Missouri Valley Conference at 4-0 as they come home Sunday to host Bradley in a 4 p.m. tip in the CFSB Center where they have won their last nine games.

Trailing 40-36 at the intermission, the Racers clawed back into the game with an 11-0 run that included a trio of 3-pointers from Mason Miller, Javon Jackson and Layne Taylor to push MSU in front 51-46 with 14:38 left in the game.

Jackson gave the Racers the lead for good when he drained a 3-pointer with 1:02 remaining at 75-73.

Late in the game, Racers Head Coach Ryan Miller challenged an out of bounds call with 18 seconds remaining. UIC initially appeared to be awarded possession, but the call was reversed as the Racers were able to get to the free throw line and extend the lead and ultimately get the win.

Game Notes

Fred King's 16 rebounds is a new career high as he bested the 12 he had in the Cayman Islands Classic against McNeese.
The 16 rebounds is the most by a Racer to grab that many since KJ Williams against UT Martin in 2021 (02-13-21).
The game marked just the 10^th time in 101 seasons of collegiate basketball that MSU has played a game on New Year's Day.
Their last was a win at Evansville 78-61 in 2022.
MSU has won their last three New Year's Day games including on at home in 2001 over Middle Tennessee 76-64.
MSU is 6-4 all-time on New Year's Day.
MSU is now 6-2 vs UIC overall and have won 5-of-6 in the MVC.
MSU's 8-game streak is the best currently in the MVC.
All 12 of MSU's wins this season have included the Racers getting to the 80-point mark first.
When MSU scores 80 points this season, they are 12-2 with their only losses coming to SMU and Middle Tennessee.
The Racers host the Bradley Braves Sunday at the CFSB Center at 4 p.m. on a day when the MSU women also host Bradley at 6:30 p.m.
It's Junior Racer Day and the famous Baby Race will happen at halftime of the men's game.
The Racers will be looking to extend their home winning streak to 10 at the CFSB Center.

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