When the bracket came out on Sunday, this matchup is one I circled as a must-watch. Both Murray State and San Francisco are mid-major threats that could cause serious troubles for the entire East Region.
They are mid-majors because of the conference they play in but make no mistake, both of these teams are legit. Both teams are in the Top 25 in NET rankings, and both are in the Top 30 of the KenPom rankings.
This season, Murray State has one of the most impressive resumes, going 30-2 on the year and 18-0 in conference play. The one knock on Murray State is they didn’t play any top-tier competition aside from Auburn, who they lost to. Their best win came against Memphis earlier this season.
San Francisco played against tough competition all season and hung in against the likes of Gonzaga, St.Mary’s, and the rest of the West Coast Conference. This will be one of the best games of the first round so let’s get right to it.
Murray State vs. San Francisco Odds
Murray State vs. San Francisco CBB gameday odds are current as of 3:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 15, courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: San Francisco (+105) vs. Murray State (-125)
- ATS: San Francisco +1.5 (-110) vs. Murray State -1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 137 (-110) / Under 137 (-110)
- Implied Score: Murray State 69.25, San Francisco 67.75
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Murray State vs. San Francisco Prediction
This game is as close as you can get to an even matchup. Murray State has been the better team all season, but San Francisco has played against tougher competition. I believe San Francisco will be the most popular 10-seed pick in most people’s bracket, and deservedly so, but I give the slight edge here to Murray State.
Both teams almost have identical offensive stats as they both shoot 34.7 percent from beyond the arc and 69 percent from the free throw line. San Francisco averages 76 points per game, and Murray State averages 76.3 PPG.
Led by Junior Forward KJ Williams, who is averaging 18.2 points and 8.6 rebounds, Murray State will eke out a victory against San Francisco in this battle between Mid Majors.
Murray State vs. San Francisco Score Pick
Murray State 72, San Francisco 70
This one could come down to the last possession of the game, and we could witness a thrilling buzzer-beater finish.
- Print your 2022 March Madness bracket.
Both teams have potent offenses capable of putting up big scores, so I see this game in the 70s.
Murray State vs. San Francisco Best Bets
Murray State Moneyline (-125) at Caesars Sportsbook
Wager: 1 Unit
This battle of Mid Majors will go the way of Murray State. They’re riding into the tournament on a 20-game win streak and will look to make it 21 this week.
With a potential matchup against Kentucky in the 2nd round, expect Murray State to come away with a win against San Francisco. The Racers’ offense will be just too much for the Dons to handle in this matchup.
Over 137 Total Points (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Wager: 1 Unit
As mentioned above, both of these teams can score points at will. A game that will finish in the 70s will look to go over the total of 137, and especially in a close game, free throw shooting at the end will tilt this game to the Over.
