College basketball kicks off tonight for UK, Murray State

Anticipation is building for the opening of college basketball, especially tonight for local fans of the University of Kentucky and Murray State University.

The Wildcat's debut against Wright State is the official start of the Mark Pope era as head coach, after dominating exhibition displays against Kentucky Wesleyan and Minnesota State.

One question mark for the Cats is the status of starting center Amari Williams, after he limped off the court against Minnesota State. Pope said Williams is listed as day to day.

Pope also said his team needed to show more "urgency" on the floor, noting 2-for-13 shooting from the 3-point line during Tuesday's exhibition.


Meanwhile, the Murray State Racers open Monday night when they host Bethel.

It's the Racers' historic 100th basketball season, and the 27th year in the CFSB Center, but only the third season in the Missouri Valley Conference. MSU is picked third in the conference's preseason poll.

Their tough non-conference schedule includes games in November ath Pittsburgh and Middle Tennessee State, and a holiday tournament matchup with Nebraska in Honolulu.


(Photo Murray State Athletics)