Murray State Defeats Akron in High-Scoring Affair
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 4:00 PM ET · Lee's Family Forum
Murray State Racers 115, Akron Zips 100, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Murray State Racers vs Akron Zips?
Murray State Racers beat Akron Zips 115-100 at Lee's Family Forum on December 13, 2025.
Who was favored in Murray State Racers vs Akron Zips?
Akron Zips were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -205 (about 67% implied). The underdog won.
In an exciting matchup at Lee's Family Forum, the Murray State Racers triumphed over the Akron Zips with a final score of 115-100. This game showcased the offensive prowess of both teams, with Murray State maintaining an impressive scoring average throughout the season. Both teams entered the contest with identical records of 8-3, making the stakes even higher as they sought to improve their standings.
Murray State came into the game riding a three-game winning streak, having scored an average of 88.0 points per game while allowing 76.4 points. Their recent form included notable victories against Bellarmine Knights and Morehead State Eagles, where they won 81-68 and 84-52, respectively. Conversely, Akron also boasted a strong recent record, winning eight of their last ten games, with an average of 95.4 points scored and 74.8 points allowed during that stretch. Their last five games saw them averaging 96.2 points, indicating a high-octane offense.
At home, Akron had a record of 6-1, while Murray State struggled away with a record of 1-3. This disparity suggested that the Zips would have a slight advantage playing on their home court. However, Murray State's recent form and their ability to score effectively proved to be decisive factors in the game.
In terms of previous meetings, there is no specific data provided, but both teams have shown they can compete at a high level. The injury picture was not detailed in the block, so both teams appeared to be at full strength for this encounter.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, indicated Akron as the favorites with a spread of -4.5 and a money line of -205. Murray State's money line was set at 170. The total points over/under was set at 168.5, reflecting the expected high-scoring nature of the game.
The conditions for the game were conducive to an exciting matchup, with both teams displaying their offensive capabilities. Viewers were treated to a variety of scoring plays, including a three-point jumper by Sharron Young and multiple successful free throws by KJ Tenner, who played a key role in maintaining Murray State's lead.
As the game progressed, Murray State's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities allowed them to pull away in the second half. They effectively managed their lead, with significant contributions from players like Zach Halligan and Marvin Musiime-Kamali. The final scoring plays solidified their victory, demonstrating their offensive depth and resilience.
Ultimately, Murray State's performance in this high-scoring affair not only secured them a crucial win but also highlighted their potential as a formidable contender in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | AKR -4.5 | 168.5 o -115 / u -105 | Murray State Racers +170 · Akron Zips -205 |
Leaders
- PointsTavari Johnson28Akron Zips
- AssistsEvan Mahaffey6Akron Zips
- ReboundsEvan Mahaffey6Akron Zips
- PointsLayne Taylor23Murray State Racers
- AssistsLayne Taylor8Murray State Racers
- ReboundsJJ Traynor8Murray State Racers
Recent form
Akron Zips
Last 10: 8-2Streak W395.4 scored · 74.8 allowed per game6-1 at home
- W88-71at Tulane Green WaveDec 6
- W97-77vs Bucknell BisonDec 4
- W105-81vs Milwaukee PanthersNov 30
- L94-97vs Yale BulldogsNov 25
- W97-59at Evansville Purple AcesNov 24
- W96-75vs Iona GaelsNov 21
- L79-97at Purdue BoilermakersNov 17
- W109-51vs Penn State Shenango Nittany LionsNov 13
- W104-69vs Princeton TigersNov 8
- W85-71vs James Madison DukesNov 4
Murray State Racers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W388 scored · 76.4 allowed per game1-3 away
- W81-68vs Bellarmine KnightsDec 6
- W84-52vs Morehead State EaglesDec 3
- W96-95at George Washington RevolutionariesNov 26
- L60-73at McNeese CowboysNov 25
- L87-90at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersNov 24
- W89-68vs Little Rock TrojansNov 19
- W99-79vs Nicholls ColonelsNov 15
- L91-102at SMU MustangsNov 12
- W108-60vs Mississippi Valley State Delta DevilsNov 8
- W85-77vs Omaha MavericksNov 3
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 26-6 | - | 16-4 |
| Bradley | 21-13 | 3 | 13-7 |
| Illinois State | 23-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Murray State | 20-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| UIC | 19-16 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Northern Iowa | 23-13 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Valparaiso | 18-15 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Southern Illinois | 16-16 | 6 | 10-10 |
| Drake | 14-20 | 10 | 6-14 |
| Indiana State | 11-21 | 12 | 4-16 |
| Evansville | 7-25 | 13 | 3-17 |
| Miami (OH) | 32-2 | - | 18-0 |
| Akron | 29-6 | 1 | 17-1 |
| Kent State | 24-10 | 4 | 14-4 |
| Toledo | 19-15 | 7 | 11-7 |
| Bowling Green | 18-14 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Ohio | 15-17 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Buffalo | 17-15 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Massachusetts | 17-16 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Ball State | 12-19 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Central Michigan | 10-21 | 12 | 6-12 |
| Western Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Eastern Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Northern Illinois | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Murray State Racers | Akron Zips |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 40-69 | 37-76 |
| Field goal % | 58 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 18-32 | 7-18 |
| Three-point % | 56 | 39 |
| Free throws | 17-25 | 19-25 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 19 |
| Assists | 23 | 19 |
| Steals | 1 | 6 |
| Blocks | 7 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 4 | 3 |
| Technical fouls, total | 4 | 3 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 52 |
| Fouls | 27 | 25 |
| Largest lead | 23 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 90 | 5 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half81-67Sharron Young made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half81-68Sharron Young made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half81-69Sharron Young made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half81-70Sharron Young made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half83-70Javon Jackson made Layup.
- 2nd Half84-70Javon Jackson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half84-72Sharron Young made Jumper.
- 2nd Half86-72Javon Jackson made Layup.
- 2nd Half86-73Tavari Johnson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half86-74Tavari Johnson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half89-74JJ Traynor made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Layne Taylor.
- 2nd Half89-75Sharron Young made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half89-76Sharron Young made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half92-76Layne Taylor made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Mason Miller.
- 2nd Half92-78Sharron Young made Layup. Assisted by Amani Lyles.
- 2nd Half95-78Layne Taylor made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half95-79Eric Mahaffey made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half95-80Eric Mahaffey made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half97-80Brayden Shorter made Dunk. Assisted by Javon Jackson.
- 2nd Half100-80Layne Taylor made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Brayden Shorter.
- 2nd Half100-82Shammah Scott made Layup.
- 2nd Half102-82Javon Jackson made Layup.
- 2nd Half105-82Brayden Shorter made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Javon Jackson.
- 2nd Half105-84Tavari Johnson made Layup.
- 2nd Half107-84Dylan Anderson made Jumper. Assisted by Javon Jackson.
- 2nd Half107-86Sharron Young made Layup. Assisted by Amani Lyles.
- 2nd Half107-87Sharron Young made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half109-87Brock Vice made Jumper.
- 2nd Half109-89Marvin Musiime-Kamali made Layup. Assisted by Zach Halligan.
- 2nd Half109-91Sharron Young made Layup.
- 2nd Half110-91Brayden Shorter made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half111-91Brayden Shorter made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half111-94Sharron Young made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half111-96Zach Halligan made Layup. Assisted by Evan Mahaffey.
- 2nd Half112-96KJ Tenner made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half113-96KJ Tenner made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half113-98Marvin Musiime-Kamali made Jumper. Assisted by Evan Mahaffey.
- 2nd Half115-98KJ Tenner made Jumper.
- 2nd Half115-99Zach Halligan made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half115-100Zach Halligan made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours Akron Zips, below favours Murray State Racers.
Venue
- Lee's Family ForumHenderson, NV
- OfficialsTim Stewart, Peter Larson, Steve Divine
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