Coming off a win Saturday to break a four-game drought, the Racers will take on Southeast Missouri as the final regular season matchup before the OVC tournament.
Seniors will also be playing their last official game at the CFSB Center. Guards Mariah Robinson, Tessa Elkins and forward Kyra Watson will be recognized as they take their final walk on to the home court in Murray State uniform.
This will be the Racers’ second game against Southeast Missouri. Facing a 58-70 loss in their first meet against the Redhawks in January, the Racers had trouble maintaining a first-half lead. After chipping away at the advantage, the Redhawks managed to dictate the majority of the game.
The Racers are most successful when multiple players pull together in scoring. In its last game against Morehead State, Murray State was led by freshman guard Erika Sisk and sophomore guard Keiona Kirby to secure 14 points each. Robinson followed with 12.
In games against teams like UT Martin and SIU Edwardsville, both Robinson and Sisk separately scored season-high points but still faced a loss. Sisk averages 14 points per game and has been shooting deep three’s in her signature pocket, making her offensively versatile both in the paint and beyond the arc.
Freshman forward Kelsey Dirks makes up for a recent lack of rebounding.
The Robinson, Ill., native stands ’6 foot 3 inches, giving her a height advantage to pull down defensive rebounds. Dirks earned two consecutive double- doubles and averaged six points. After coming out of a scoring slump, Robinson is beginning to reintroduce her pontificating ability, tacking on three against Morehead State and four against UT Martin exclusively in the second half.
Robinson’s efforts put her deeper in Murray State’s history when she scored 1500 career points and 500 rebounds. She also is the all-time leader in 3-point shots in school history.
A team playing the last home game with a purpose makes for an emotional and exciting showcase. With more team cohesion and offensive rebounding, the Racers will be prepared for a final run before the tournament.
Tipoff is Saturday at 4:45 p.m. at the CFSB Center.
Story by Carly Besser, Assistant Sports Editor.