My parents threw a basketball in our hand when I was an infant. So it's been a huge part of our life. And the places it's taken us has been phenomenal,” new Murray State coach Ryan Miller recalled.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) Javon Jackson scored 24 points to help Murray State defeat Omaha 85-77 on Monday in a season opener.

Though six Omaha basketball players scored in double figures Monday, Murray State cashed in at the foul line in a season-opening win.

The Murray State Racers begin the season at home against the Omaha Mavericks. Monday's matchup is the first this season for the squads.

Xavier's team of newcomers under first-year head coach Richard Pitino will get a test run vs. Murray State Oct. 18 before the Nov. 3 season opener.

Marcellous "Cello" Jackson, a four-star combo guard and Memphis native, committed to Penny Hardaway and Memphis basketball Nov. 1.

Omaha Mavericks vs. Murray State Racers Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Monday, 1:30 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Racers -4.5; over/under is 147.5 BOTTOM LINE: Murray State begins the season at home against Omaha.

Xavier has won 35 straight season-openers heading into Richard Pitino's debut as head coach against Marist Nov. 3.

The 2025-26 college basketball season begins on Monday, and there are games scattered throughout the day. Omaha faces Murray State in South Dakota at 1:30 p.m. ET, while Drake faces Northern Arizona in the same arena at 4 p.