- Matchup: Murray State Racers vs Nevada Wolf Pack
- Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
- Venue: Lawlor Events Center, Reno, NV
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Betting Odds: Nevada favored by 8 points
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The NIT’s first round will feature the Murray State Racers (20-12) battling the Nevada Wolf Pack (22-12) at the Lawlor Events Center. The Racers enter as 8-point underdogs, with a total set at 163 points.
In their latest outing, the Murray State Racers fell to UIC, losing 92-79. The Racers committed 25 fouls—mirroring UIC’s total—while making only 4 of 13 three-point attempts. UIC converted 20 of 30 free throw opportunities, achieving a 66.7% success rate. They also secured 35 rebounds (8 offensive, 27 defensive) without a block. UIC recorded 17 assists and 5 steals in the game. Defensively, Murray State allowed an efficiency of 54.0% from UIC on 34 of 63 shots. The Racers managed to dish out 13 assists while creating 12 turnovers and securing 6 steals. On the boards, they grabbed 32 rebounds with 10 on the offensive end. At the charity stripe, Murray State hit 27 of 39 free throw attempts, achieving a 69.2% success rate. Overall, they shot 36.5% from the field (23 of 63) and made 6 out of 21 three-pointers.
Javon Jackson stood out as a key performer, scoring 30 points on 12-for-25 shooting in 32 minutes, along with 2 rebounds and 2 assists, showcasing a 48.0% shooting percentage from the floor.
With a season record of 20-12, the Racers average 11.7 turnovers per game and commit 18.7 fouls. They average 36.4 rebounds and have dished out a total of 441 assists this season, ranking 194th in Division 1. They have succeeded in 34.8% of their three-point attempts (303 of 871) and maintain a 75.7% free throw percentage. Netting an average of 83.3 points per game positions them 32nd in the nation, while their field goal percentage stands at an impressive 46.0%.
Defensively, the Racers force 11.6 turnovers per game while committing an average of 20.0 fouls. They rank 135th in allowing assists to opponents with 413 given up so far. Their defense allows a field goal percentage of 47.3% (945 of 1,997) and they average 35.0 rebounds allowed per game, ranking 330th in opponent points per game (79.9).
In their last match, the Nevada Wolf Pack suffered a loss, finishing 79-66 against Utah State. The Wolf Pack gathered 33 rebounds total, including 24 defensive and 9 offensive boards. They committed 10 turnovers but managed to collect 8 steals. Utah State committed 19 fouls, giving Nevada 20 free throw opportunities, where they hit 13 for a 65.0% success rate. The Wolf Pack made 5 of 19 from beyond the arc (26.3%), concluding the game with a 40.7% field goal percentage (24 of 59). They allowed Utah State to shoot 24 out of 53 from the floor, resulting in a 45.3% shooting rate against them. In rebounding, Nevada permitted Utah State to secure 37 total rebounds (8 offensive).
Vaughn Weems played a pivotal role for the Wolf Pack, scoring 17 points in 34 minutes with 1 assist. He shot 7 of 17 from the field, achieving a 41.2% shooting efficiency, and grabbed 9 rebounds.
Nevada’s season record is 22-12. The team commits an average of 18.2 fouls per game and boasts a solid 75.2% free throw percentage. They create 14.2 assists per game (156th in college) while averaging 10.1 turnovers. They have totaled 2,582 points this season, averaging 75.9 points per game, alongside 36.0 rebounds.
Nevada’s defensive stats show they allow 34.1% on three-point shots (269 of 790) and their opponents convert 71.1% of free throws. With an average of 13.3 assists allowed and conceding 33.1 boards per game, they rank 178th and 97th respectively. The Wolf Pack ranks 116th in points allowed per game, giving up 71.6 points. They force 11.8 turnovers per game while allowing teams to shoot 43.8% from the field (ranking 154th nationally).
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Back Nevada (-8)
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