The men’s basketball team will attempt to do something at Murray State Thursday they have never been able to do before – win.

Eastern defeated Murray State in the Ohio Valley Tournament 97-71, but it was at a neutral site. But earlier that season, Eastern lost at Murray State 92-77.

“Not a lot of people win there,” head coach Rick Samuels said. “We just haven’t had that break yet. We’ve been the new players in the league and you have to grow into your situation.”

And while Eastern (11-7, 3-1) is a young team this season, Samuels is hoping Thursday will be the day that the Panthers grow.

“With the exception of a couple of guys, we’ve all been there – the players have been there,” Samuels said. “It’s really like playing every place on the road – there’s always a different kind of focus. It takes a special toughness to win on the road.”

Murray State (8-8, 2-2) comes into Thursday’s contest looking for a win from the Ohio Valley after dropping two road games to Tennessee Tech (78-59) and Austin Peay (68-62).

The Racers have already suffered two home losses, however, which could give the Panthers an edge to chip away at Murray State’s home court. Murray State suffered home losses to Southern Illinois and Gardner-Webb.

Eastern will bring an up and coming offensive play with the nation’s No. 2 leading scorer, Henry Domercant, combining with teammates J.R. Reynolds and Jesse Mackinson, who have been stepping up to add point for Eastern.