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Saint Peter's vs. Murray State Prediction and Odds for Second Round of NCAA Tournament

By Reed Wallach

Mar 17, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Murray State Racers forward KJ Williams (0) reacts against the
Mar 17, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Murray State Racers forward KJ Williams (0) reacts against the / Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
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Two mid-majors meet in the second round under different circumstances as No. 7 Murray State won as a slight favorite while Saint Peter's knocked off No. 2 seed Kentucky as an 18-point underdog.

Now, Murray State and Saint Peter's will battle in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32 with a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line. Can the Peacocks maintain their high level of play after winning in overtime against a goliath Kentucky team, or will they fall to the 31-2 Racers, who also played an extra session on Thursday.

Here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook as well as statistical breakdown for each team before giving out a best bet:

Saint Peter's vs. Murray State Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Saint Peter's +8.5 (-110)
  • Murray State: -8.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Saint Peter's: +340
  • Murray State: -410

Total: 130 (Over -110/Under -110)

Saint Peter's vs. Murray State Analysis

Saint Peter's

  • Regular Season Record: 19-11
  • ATS Record: 11-18
  • Over/Under Record: 20-9
  • SoS: 167
  • Adjusted Offensive Efficiency: 98.9
  • Adjusted Defensive Efficiency: 94.5
  • eFG%: 47.8%
  • FT%: 68.5%
  • 3PT%: 34.8%
  • Last Year's Tournament Result: N/A
  • Odds to Win National Championship: N/A

Murray State

Regular Season Record: 30-2

  • ATS Record:16-12-1
  • Over/Under Record: 12-17
  • SoS: 145th
  • Adjusted Offensive Efficiency: 111.5
  • Defensive Efficiency: 95.1
  • eFG%: 52.9%
  • FT%: 69.8%
  • 3PT%: 34.7%
  • Last Year’s Tournament Result: N/A
  • Odds to win National Championship: +5000

Saint Peter's vs. Murray State Prediction and Pick

I wonder how both teams are going to react after emotionally draining first round matchups. Of course, the Peacocks win holds a bit more weight as they took down one of the favorites to win the National Championship in Kentucky, but Murray State went to war with San Francisco in the late game Thursday.

Both defenses are each team's strong suit, but I give the slight edge to the Racers, as they can overwhelm Saint Peter's ball handlers and also keep them off the glass. The Peacocks are a capable 3-point shooting team, so they are live to hang around, but Murray State's ability to generate second chances (12th in the country in offensive rebounding rate) is going to be pivotal as they pull away.

The spread does feel high given the long games each team played in the first round, and I find myself looking at the under instead. As I said above, both teams pride themselves on the defensive end and I can see a bit of a rock fight in this one with tired legs and a bit of a letdown with the quick turnaround.

LEAN: Under 130

You can find all of Reed's bets HERE!

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