Murray State Racers vs Belmont Bruins Picks and Predictions January 31st 2026

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Murray State Racers vs Belmont Bruins Betting Preview

The Murray State Racers travel to Nashville to face the Belmont Bruins in a Missouri Valley Conference showdown at the Curb Event Center. Murray State enters with a 16-6 record and looks to rebound after a close loss to Illinois State, while Belmont aims to extend its 19-3 season and strong home form after edging Valparaiso. With the Bruins favored by 5.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Murray State’s high-scoring offense and Belmont’s shooting efficiency.

Line Movement and Odds

Belmont is favored, but Murray State’s offensive pace makes this line worth monitoring. Current market:

  • Murray State Spread: +5.5 (-122)
  • Belmont Spread: -5.5 (-105)
  • Murray State MoneyLine: +180
  • Belmont MoneyLine: -240
  • Total: 166.5 (-110)

Check the college basketball odds hub for real-time updates, especially as bettors weigh Murray State’s scoring depth against Belmont’s home-court consistency.

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Matchup Breakdown

Murray State Outlook

The Racers average 86.3 points per game, with Fred King, Javon Jackson, and Layne Taylor leading the offense. King’s 19 points and 11 rebounds vs Illinois State highlighted his dominance, while Jackson’s 15 points showcased his consistency. Murray State’s efficiency (16-6 overall record; 55% effective FG; 76.4% FT shooting) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score efficiently and capitalize at the line makes them dangerous even as underdogs.

Belmont Outlook

The Bruins average 82.3 points per game, with Eoin Dillon, Jabez Jenkins, and Cade Tyson driving production. Dillon’s 23 points vs Valparaiso highlighted his scoring, while Jenkins’ 14 points showcased his balance. Belmont’s efficiency (19-3 overall record; 9-2 at home; 51.2% FG, 10th nationally; 59.8% effective FG, 7th nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to shoot efficiently and defend at home makes them one of the toughest teams in the MVC.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on tempo and shooting efficiency. Murray State thrives on King’s inside presence and Jackson’s scoring, while Belmont must rely on Dillon’s hot hand and Jenkins’ rebounding to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.

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Injuries / Availability

Murray State: The Racers report no fresh injury concerns heading into Saturday’s contest.

Belmont: The Bruins are expected to have their full rotation available.

Environment

The Curb Event Center has been a reliable venue for Belmont, where they’ve gone 9-2 this season. Murray State, however, has shown resilience with seven wins in their last 10 games, making this a clash of Bruins’ home dominance versus Racers’ offensive surge.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Belmont 85, Murray State 82

  • Murray State +5.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive pace and free-throw accuracy suggest they can keep the game close.
  • Over 166.5 → Total play. Both teams’ scoring pace points toward a combined score above the line.

Belmont’s depth and shooting should carry them to victory, while Murray State’s offensive firepower keeps the spread competitive. Expect a high-scoring contest with totals landing comfortably over the posted number.

Handicappers and Service Plays

MVC games often spotlight tempo battles and offensive surges. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in conference scoring trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For Murray State vs Belmont, expert breakdowns in Buy Picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.

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