Murray State vs Evansville Prediction 1/7/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Evansville Purple Aces and the Murray State Racers will meet on Wednesday night in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup at the CFSB Center in Murray, Kentucky.

Evansville Purple Aces Betting Preview

The Evansville Purple Aces enter Sunday’s game with a 4–12 win-loss record, including an 0–5 mark in conference play and an 0–5 record on the road this season. The Purple Aces have compiled wins over Ball State and the Oregon State Beavers, while losing games to Bradley, Drake, SMU, Notre Dame and the Akron Zips. Earlier this season, in the Evansville Purple Aces 76–68 loss to the Bradley Braves, Evansville forward AJ Casey amassed 21 points (8 of 14 shooting from the field), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal showcasing his ability to lead the Evansville Purple Aces frontcourt.

The Evansville Purple Aces average 64.1 points on 40 percent shooting from the field and 28.9 percent shooting from behind the arc per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Purple Aces are allowing opponents 75.8 points per contest.

Senior forward Connor Turnbill leads the Evansville Purple Aces frontcourt averaging 12.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. Junior forward Joshua Hughes averages 8.7 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist per contest, while freshman guard Leif Moeller provides additional scoring depth contributing 7.4 points per game.

Murray State Racers Betting Preview

The Murray State Racers enter Wednesday evening’s contest with a 10–6 win‑loss record, including a 6–1 mark at home and a 3–1 record in MVC play. The Racers have compiled wins over Bradley, Illinois State, and Valparaiso, while dropping games to Drake, UAB, and Chattanooga. In Murray State’s most recent outing, a 74–69 win over Illinois State, guard Rob Perry delivered 21 points and 5 rebounds, helping the Racers secure their third conference victory.

Murray State is averaging 88.3 points (20th in country) on 47.9 percent shooting from the field and 37.7 percent from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Racers are allowing opponents 77.4 points per contest, but they have been significantly stronger at home, holding opponents to 41.9 percent shooting at the CFSB Center.

Senior guard Javon Jackson leads the Murray State Racers with 16.5 points, 2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, while senior center Fred King contributes 13.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game, providing the Racers interior stability.

Why the Evansville Purple Aces will win

•             Frontcourt production. Senior forward Connor Turnbill leads the Evansville Purple Aces frontcourt averaging 12.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. Junior forward Joshua Hughes adds 8.7 points and 5 rebounds per contest.

•            Enhanced motivation. The Evansville Purple Aces arrive at tomorrow’s game on the heels of seven consecutive losses.

Why the Murray State Racers will win

•             Efficient scoring. Murray State is averaging 88.3 points (20th in country) on 47.9 percent shooting from the field and 37.7 percent from three‑point range per game.

•             Balanced attack. Javon Jackson and Fred King combine for over 29 points per game.

Evansville Purple Aces vs. Murray State Racers Prediction

This matchup features the Murray State Racers home court edge and interior scoring versus an Evansville Purple Aces team that has struggled defensively on the road in 2025. Evansville has enough perimeter shooting to keep the game competitive early, but Murray State’s efficiency, rebounding, and ability to score inside give them the more reliable path over 40 minutes. If the Racers control tempo and win the glass, they should separate late. Having stated that, I am backing the Murray State Racers to cover the 8.5 points in this matchup.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Murray State -8.5