T.M. Selection: Murray State.

I like Murray State to cover the spread against Belmont in this game on Saturday. This is an important game for these 2 since they have very similar records and they both lead the conference, tied with Morehead State, with a 3-0 record in conference play. I think both teams will want to get the edge over the other so I expect this to be a close game where both teams fight hard the whole game. Murray State has won 3 games in a row and they are hot with their only loss coming to Auburn in their previous 11 games. They have won 3 in a row and 2 of those wins were by 20+ points. They have been good on the road this year and have found ways to grind out wins with their only road loss coming to Auburn. Belmont has won 8 games in a row and they are very hot at the moment but I think they are going to start cooling off soon and I think Murray State will be the team to stop them in their tracks. Belmont has been winning a lot of games lately but they haven't played the greatest teams either and I think they are going to get caught sleeping here. Belmont has won 3 games in a row in their conference play but they have played teams with losing records in all of those games. Murray State actually has a better record than Belmont has and I think they will offer much more of a challenge for Belmont here that they are not used to having played weak teams in their conference play. I think Murray State is going to be motivated for this game with a chance to get a lead in the conference and I expect them to at least keep this game close if they do not win it. I like Murray State to cover the spread here.

T.M. Prediction: 75-72 Murray State.