mitchellrepublic
SIOUX FALLS, S.D.
Mitchell native Ryan Miller and his Murray State University men's basketball program will once again help lift the lid on a new season of college hoops.
Murray State will be joined by Tennessee State University to tip off the mens college basketball season at the Sanford Pentagon on Monday, Nov.
2.
The game will be one of two mid-major matchups at Heritage Court as part of the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon, which returns to Sioux Falls for the third straight season.
The second game will be announced at a later date.
ADVERTISEMENT The Pentagon has grown into a must-see basketball destination over the years, and were grateful the Field of 68 has decided to come back and showcase our wonderful atmosphere, said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports in a news release.
Over the past two years, the Field of 68 has spotlighted the immense talent and depth of mid-major basketball, and were excited to keep this tradition going.
Murray State enters its second season with Ryan Miller as head coach.
During his inaugural campaign, Miller led the Racers to their first 20-win season in four years, a top-four finish in the Missouri Valley Conference standings, and an appearance in the NIT.
Millers first career victory came during the 2025 Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon, an 85-77 victory over Omaha on Heritage Court.
The Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon is back, and were lucky to be a part of it once again.
Its going to be a heck of a game at the Pentagon in Sioux Falls, Miller said in the release.
Tennessee State went to the NCAA Tournament and will be picked to win their league again this season.
We cant wait for the matchup, and we look forward to seeing everyone in Sioux Falls." Tennessee State is coming off one of its most successful seasons in school history, making the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1995.
The Tigers went 23-10 during the 2025-26 campaign, winning both the Ohio Valley Conference regular season and tournament championships under head coach Nolan Smith.
We cant wait to be at the Pentagon in Sioux Falls playing Murray State, Smith said in the release.
Its going to be a big-time game and a big-time environment.
Were excited and honored to be a part of it.
We cant wait to see all the basketball fans in person, and the whole college basketball world watching at home.
Its going to be a great one.
The Racers and Tigers have a long history dating back to when both schools were members of the Ohio Valley Conference.
Murray State holds a 58-17 all-time series lead vs.
Tennessee State, which includes victories in their last eight matchups from 2017-2022.
Game time and ticket information will be announced later.
ADVERTISEMENT The entire Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon includes eight contests on Nov.
2, with two games in Sioux Falls and six in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Four of the eight matchups have now been confirmed, to also include High Point vs.
Liberty, Winthrop vs.
Queens and the University of Alabama at Birmingham vs.
McNeese State.