Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Illinois State
MVC Crunch Time - Racers at Redbirds
2/17/2026 9:30:00 AM | Men's Basketball
The Racers take to the road Wednesday for a key MVC game at Illinois State
The Murray State Racers have three games remaining in the 2025-26 regular season, beginning with a game in Normal against the Illinois State Redbirds Wednesday at 8 p.m.
After splitting games with Indiana State and Belmont last week, the Racers can secure the No. 2 seed in State Farm Arch Madness that begins March 5 in St. Louis.
With hopes of at least grabbing a share of the MVC title, Sunday's 87-70 loss to Belmont likely means the Racers can do no better than a No. 2 seed at Arch Madness.
The Racers do control their destiny in that respect with games at Illinois State on Wednesday, Saturday home to Evansville and then a March 1 season finale at Bradley.
If the Racers win out, they will be the second seed.
At the very least, the Racers are set to get their best seed in the MVC Tournament in four appearances in March.
With the Racers' next victory, Coach Ryan Miller becomes the fourth member of an exclusive club of rookie MSU coaches that have won 20 games in the modern era. Miller will join the group with Tevester Anderson (1998-99), Mick Cronin (2003-04), Steve Prohm (2011-12).
Murray State's Roman Domon ranks as the top freshman scorer this season in The Valley at 13.7ppg, as he leads other great freshman in the league including: Ty-Reek Coleman of Illinois state (11.9), Andy Johnson of UIC (11.6ppg).
GAME 29
MURRAY STATE AT ILLINOIS STATE
Venue:Â CEFCUÂ Center (10,020)
Site:Â Normal, Ill.
Game Day-Time:Â Wednesday, Feb. 18Â (8Â P.M. CT)
Live Media Feeds
Racer Radio: Froggy 103.7FM, Froggy103.com (Dave Winder & Kenny Roth)
Television:Â ESPN+ & ESPNU: (Clay Matvick & Kevin Lehman)
Stats: GoRacers.com & StatBroadcast.com
X:Â @RacersHoops
Illinois State Redbirds  17-10 (9-7 MVC)
Head Coach:Â Ryan Pedon
Alma Mater: Wooster (2000)
at ILST:Â 65-62Â (4th Season)
Career:Â Same
Missouri Valley:Â 35-42
Record vs MSU:Â 4-2Â
Murray State Racers  19-9 (11-6 MVC)
Head Coach: Ryan Miller
Alma Mater: Northern State (2000)
at MUR:Â 19-9Â (1st Season)
Career: Same
Missouri Valley:Â 11-6
Record vs ILST:Â 0-1
