GAME NOTES: A long-time rivalry will be renewed on Tuesday night, as the Murray State Racers challenge the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in a non- conference duel at the Murphy Center.

Murray State played the role of host in its season opener last Friday, but the homecourt advantage didn't equate to a victory, as the Racers were defeated by Houston in a 77-74 final. It was a sobering start for the Racers, who have won at least 20 games in each of the last five seasons, including a 23-11 effort in 2013-14. They will be in action against NAIA foe Brescia next.

Middle Tennessee already put a tally in the win column, posting a 77-60 victory over Ohio Valley, a squad from the Division II ranks, in the season opener. The Blue Raiders have also enjoyed their fair share of success recently, with at least 24 wins in each of the last three seasons. They will face Southern University next as part of the Emerald Coast Classic.

Although they no longer share a conference bond, these former Ohio Valley Conference rivals have met a total of 136 times. Murray State has absolutely dominated the series, with 102 wins compared to only 34 for the Blue Raiders.

In its season opener, Murray State held a 42-38 lead at halftime. However, the Racers were unable to complete the victory, mainly due to poor shooting over the final 20 minutes. They hit on only 34.3 percent from the floor in the second half, part of a 37.5 percent overall shooting effort. Sharing the ball was a strength, even if it came in a losing effort, as the Racers assisted on 18 of their 24 field goals.

Cameron Payne paced four players in double figures in the opener, scoring 21 points on 7-of-17 shooting. Clearly, Payne has not missed a beat after leading the Racers in scoring last season (16.8 ppg). He also led the squad in assists (5.4 apg) and appears to be set to do so once again, coming off a five-assist showing against Houston. Jeffery Moss gives the Racers a threat from the outside, as he proved by knocking down four triples and finishing with 18 points on Friday. Jarvis Williams produced a double-double consisting of 10 points and 11 rebounds in 36 minutes, which tied with Moss for the team-high. Justin Seymour provided a spark off the bench as well, tallying 12 points and five assists.

Defense was the key for Middle Tennessee last season and it was again in its season-opening win. The Blue Raiders limited Ohio Valley to just 40 percent shooting, including a 3-of-16 effort from 3-point range. Last season, they ranked 25th in the country in scoring defense (62.6 ppg), while holding foes to just 41.1 percent shooting.

Reggie Upshaw carried the bulk of the scoring responsibility for the Blue Raiders in the opener. He tallied 17 points to go with seven rebounds, while also blocking three shots. Upshaw averaged only 6.4 points per game last season, but he will be needed to continue to be an offensive force this season, as Middle Tennessee is without its top three scorers from last season. Unfortunately, Upshaw did not get a ton of help, as Marcus Tarrance was the only other player to score in double figures against Ohio Valley, dropping in 11 points on a paltry 2-of-9 shooting.

It may take a little longer for the Blue Raiders to really find their identity on offense, especially when they are no longer playing opponents from outside the Division I ranks. Murray State has three excellent proven scorers in Payne, Moss and Williams. That will prove to be the difference.