Preview: Missouri State Bears at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum in the Conference USA race will meet Saturday when the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders host the Missouri State Bears.

The matchup at Murphy Athletics Center features identical 10-7 overall records. Both squads are also looking to rebound from narrow road losses in their last outings.

Missouri State fell 87-72 at Western Kentucky on Wednesday despite a 24-point effort from guard Keith Palek. The Bears had won three of their previous four games prior to the defeat.

Palek, a key player to watch, has been a consistent offensive force. He is averaging 18.1 points over his last seven games, including a 22-point performance in a win over Florida International on Jan. 10.

Middle Tennessee is coming off a heartbreaking 59-58 loss at Louisiana Tech on Wednesday. The Blue Raiders have split their last six contests, with three of those decisions determined by three points or fewer.

Guard Kamari Lands leads Middle Tennessee. He is averaging 12.3 points per game over his last seven, including an 18-point outing in a close loss at Houston in non-conference play.

The game will be a test of Missouri State’s offense, which averages 75.2 points per game, against a Middle Tennessee defense that allows just 66.2 points on its home floor.

Saturday’s contest is the only scheduled meeting between the programs this regular season. Missouri State visits New Mexico State next on Jan. 22, while Middle Tennessee travels to Jacksonville State on Jan. 24.