(SIOUX FALLS, S.D.) — Murray State defeated Omaha 85-77 on Monday to open the 2025-26 college basketball season, giving new head coach Ryan Miller a winning debut at the Sanford Pentagon.
Sophomore guard Jacobi Jackson led the Racers with 24 points in the season opener, which was part of the Field of 68’s Opening Day Marathon. The victory was especially meaningful for Miller, who was born just 72 miles away in Mitchell, South Dakota, and coached in front of friends and family.
The game marked the beginning of a new era for Murray State, which enters the season with a completely revamped roster featuring no returning players from last season. The Racers finished 16-17 a year ago under former coach Steve Prohm.
Omaha entered the contest as the defending Summit League champions, coming off their first NCAA Tournament appearance after capturing both the regular season and tournament titles last season. Senior guard Tony Osburn contributed 13 points, four rebounds and two assists for the Mavericks in the losing effort.
The neutral-site matchup took place at the Sanford Pentagon, a venue familiar to Omaha from their Summit League tournament championship run. Despite that advantage and the return of several key players from last year’s 22-13 squad, the Mavericks couldn’t overcome Murray State’s offensive output.
Murray State improves to 1-0 on the season, while Omaha falls to 0-1 in head coach Chris Crutchfield’s fourth year with the program.
Photo Courtesy of MSU Athletics
