If someone could predict the future, no one would have believed how much hype Murray State would get this season. The Racers made it to #7 in the national polls, were the last unbeaten team at 23-0, and the talk of every major college basketball discussion. Tonight, Tennessee State handed Murray State their first loss of the season. Isaiah Canaan scored 31 points for the Racers, but it simply wasn't enough.
The media coverage of Murray State will get significantly less now. It will be interesting to see how far they drop in the Top 25 polls. However, I am of the belief that this might actually help the Racers in a big way. They are going to learn things they can improve on from watching this tape. There always things to improve on following wins, but it takes on new significance when you lost the game. The loss also takes the pressure of the games prior to their big BracketBuster matchup with St. Mary's. The game with the Gaels is a big one. Now that their perfect record won't be on the line, they can focus on simply playing better basketball.
I think that Murray State is capable of making a run in the NCAA tournament. In fact, I will go as far as to say I am more convinced now that they have lost. It is important to feel that sinking feeling of defeat. It can be very motivating. I am not saying they didn't have motivation before. What I am saying is that they have a new sense of urgency in their motivation now. The Racers might not have wanted their perfect race to end, but it might actually help them down the road come March. We will just have to wait and see.
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