Two mid-major schools that have very different feelings coming off of their 2024-25 seasons battle as the Murray State Racers take on the Omaha Mavericks as part of the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon on Monday.
The Mavericks are returning many of the pieces that led them to the Big Dance last year, which is why I’m taking them to cover in my Murray State vs. Omaha predictions.
Let’s break down this season-opening matchup in my free college basketball picks for Monday, November 3.
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Omaha vs Murray State prediction
Omaha vs Murray State best bet: Omaha +3.5 (-106)
Historically, the Murray State Racers have been seen as a legitimately strong mid-major program out of the solid Missouri Valley Conference. From 2017 through 2022, the Racers made the NCAA Tournament on three occasions, winning two tournament games in that span.
Over the last three years, Murray State has declined, going just 45-52 with no tournament appearances under head coach Steve Prohm. That led to a coaching change, as Ryan Miller will be taking over with a completely revamped roster with no holdovers from the squad that went 16-17 last season.
The Omaha Mavericks have much less of a reputation as a program, as the Mavericks hadn’t made the NCAA Tournament since 2010 before last season, but Chris Crutchfield led the Summit League team to a 22-12 record and a tournament berth last year.
And while the Mavericks are also facing turnover — like many small programs that find success, they lost key players to major conference schools — they're still returning the majority of their scoring, including three starters.
In the long run, Murray State might be the better team this year, but the Racers will take time to gel, while Omaha should be able to continue its momentum from last season. I’m taking the Mavericks to cover.
Omaha vs Murray State same-game parlay
Along with taking Omaha to cover, I’ll take the Under. The Racers trended strongly towards lower-scoring games last year, and the lack of continuity may impact offensive production on both sides in this early-season game.
Omaha vs Murray State SGP
- Omaha +3.5
- Under 150.5
Omaha vs Murray State odds
- Spread: Omaha +3.5 | Murray State -3.5
- Moneyline: Omaha +155 | Murray State -200
- Over/Under: Over 150.5 | Under 150.5
Omaha vs Murray State betting trend to know
Omaha went 6-1 ATS in its final seven games to close last season. Find more NCAAB betting trends for Omaha vs. Murray State.
How to watch Omaha vs Murray State
| Location | Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls, SD |
| Date | Monday, November 3, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 1:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | YouTube |
Omaha vs Murray State key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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