With the Ohio Valley getting ready to battle in Evansville on March 2, all eyes are on the top two seeds: the Murray State Racers and the Belmont Bruins.

The Racers come into Wednesday’s tournament as the number one seed and an impressive 28-2 record along with an undefeated 18-0 in conference play. Murray State also comes in as the only team in the OVC ranked in the top 25 (#22) and is 25th in points per game (79.3 ppg). The Racers are led by junior forward KJ Williams, who averages a team-best 18.2 points per game, 8.2 rebounds per game and 1.5 steals per game.

Murray State are going for its first OVC championship since Ja Morant left for the NBA in 2019.

The Belmont Bruins enter the OVC tournament as a team destined to be back on the mountaintop after failing to defend its title in last year’s tournament against Morehead State in the title game. With a group led by senior center Nick Muszynski and junior guard Ben Sheppard, the rest of the OVC should expect this team to put up some serious points as the team finished 24th in the NCAA with 79.4 points per game (one spot ahead of Murray State). 

Biggest Sleeper: Southeast Missouri State. While a four seed may not count as a strong “sleeper” pick, the Redhawks are a team that’s bound to make a push at the end of the year. 

Yes, it finished with a 13-17 record and 8-9 in conference. Yes, it did end the season losing four of its final six games. However, these losses include a nine point loss to Belmont, a four point loss to Tennessee Tech and a 2 point loss to Murray State. Along with its trio of Eric Reed Jr, Philip Russell and Chris Harris, this is a team that could make things interesting in the OVC. 

My Pick? Murray State. Going into tournaments, I like teams that are getting hot and getting wins at the back half of the season. 

In Murray State’s case, however, it’s a team that never cools down. With losses to only East Tennesse State and Auburn, it’s clear to see why the Racers have gotten the attention of College Basketball writers all around the country. The Racers enter the tournament with an 18 game winning streak and a chance to head back to the NCAA Tournament in three years. Coach Matt McMahon might have taken a step back last year, but him and this Racers team is full-steam ahead this time around.

OVC Tourament coverage kicks off Wednesday, March 2 with No. 5 Seed Tennessee State take on No. 8 seed Southern Illinois Edwardsville on ESPN+.