Tennessee State opens title defense Monday against Murray State in South Dakota
The defending OVC champions tip off at 10:30 a.m. Central at the Sanford Pentagon in the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon.
NASHVILLE - Tennessee State men's basketball opens its season against Murray State at 10:30 a.m. Central on Monday, Nov. 2, at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, according to Tennessee State Athletics game notes. The game is part of the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon.
The Tigers begin their second season under coach Nolan Smith after going 23-10, winning the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season and tournament titles and reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1994. TSU was picked first in the OVC preseason poll. Four players return: Maddux Bodenhamer, Damon Howard Jr., Jayden Jones and Kavien Jones.
Murray State went 20-13 last season and reached the NIT. The Racers lead the series 58-17 and have won the last eight meetings, the notes say.
Source: Tennessee State Athletics game notes, Oct. 31, 2026 (Men's Basketball Opens 2026-27 Season at Field of 68 Marathon vs Murray State).