Preview: Massachusetts Minutemen at Ohio Bobcats

ATHENS, Ohio (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum in Mid-American Conference play will meet Tuesday when the Massachusetts Minutemen visit the Ohio Bobcats at the Convocation Center.

Massachusetts (9-6) enters looking to rebound from a heartbreaking 101-100 overtime loss to Bowling Green on Saturday. The Minutemen have dropped three of their last four contests. Ohio (8-7) arrives with a two-game winning streak, including a narrow 68-67 road victory at Eastern Michigan on Saturday.

The matchup features a compelling duel between standout forwards. Massachusetts will lean on Leonardo Bettiol, who is coming off a dominant 32-point, 14-rebound performance in the loss to Bowling Green. The junior has scored 20 or more points in three of his last six games but was limited to just two points in 11 minutes in a Dec. 30 loss at Eastern Michigan.

Ohio counters with Aidan Hadaway, a versatile presence who nearly posted a triple-double in the win at Eastern Michigan with 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Over his last five meaningful contests, the senior is averaging 12.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists, providing critical all-around production for the Bobcats.

The Minutemen’s offense has shown high-level potential, scoring 103 points in a road win at Florida State and 100 in the overtime loss last week. Consistency has been an issue, however, as they were held under 75 points in their other two recent defeats.

Ohio has found its stride defensively, holding opponents to 67 and 64 points in its two consecutive wins after a three-game skid in mid-December. Home court has been a mixed bag for the Bobcats, who are 5-3 in Athens this season.

Tuesday’s contest represents an early opportunity for both squads to establish a winning conference record. The Minutemen aim to ignite a run ahead of a three-game homestand later this month, while the Bobcats look to protect their home floor before embarking on a challenging two-game road trip.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.