SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Interstat) — A surging Lindenwood men’s basketball team will look to extend its winning streak when it visits Missouri State in a nonconference matchup Tuesday afternoon at JQH Arena.

The Lions (8-4) enter on a six-game winning streak, their latest a 109-52 rout of Harris-Stowe on Saturday. During the streak, they have averaged 95.3 points per game. Guard Mekhi Cooper has been a catalyst, dishing out 11 assists in the most recent victory and averaging 7.5 assists over the last four contests.

Missouri State (5-5) seeks consistency after a narrow 63-62 home win over Oral Roberts on Dec. 16 snapped a two-game skid. The Bears have struggled offensively at times, scoring 75 points or fewer in four of their five losses. They will lean on guard Keith Palek, who is averaging 19.7 points per game and scored 27 in the win over Oral Roberts.

This game presents a contrast in momentum. Lindenwood’s streak includes several dominant performances against lower-tier competition, but also features solid road wins at Eastern Illinois and Northern Illinois. Missouri State has faced a tougher recent schedule, with losses to Xavier and Tulsa, but has protected its home court with a 4-1 record in Springfield.

For the Lions, supporting Cooper’s playmaking, Jadis Jones (15 points, four blocks vs. Harris-Stowe) and Anias Futrell (16 points, nine rebounds) provide interior presence. Missouri State will need scoring beyond Palek; Kobi Williams is the only other Bear averaging double figures at 10.1 points per game.

The game is the final nonconference tune-up for both before league play begins. Lindenwood opens Ohio Valley Conference action Jan. 1, while Missouri State begins Conference USA play Jan. 2.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST Tuesday.