The UTSA Roadrunners and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders meet Saturday in college basketball action from Murphy Center. UTSA is fresh off a Thursday matchup versus Western Kentucky. The Roadrunners went on to lose that game by seven points. As for Middle Tennessee, they played UTEP in their Thursday game. The Raiders ended up with a 12-point victory there. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
UTSA Roadrunners
UTSA posted a shaky 7-9 record over their first 16 games this year. The Roadrunners didn’t get any better over the next seven, losing to UTEP, Charlotte, Rice, FAU, FIU, North Texas and Louisiana Tech in succession.
On Thursday versus Western Kentucky, the Roadrunners held a tight 40-39 edge going into the second half. UTSA was outscored 42-34 from there and lost 81-74. Jacob Germany (20 points; 13 rebounds) and DJ Richards (17 points; 10 rebounds) each doubled up.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Over on the Middle Tennessee side, they weren’t much better after 16 games at 9-7 overall. The Raiders managed to beat Rice, UAB, Charlotte and Louisiana Tech in the next four before losses to FAU and FIU.
Matched up versus UTEP on Thursday, the Raiders managed a 38-31 advantage after the first half. Middle Tennessee kept it rolling with a 46-41 second-half run and took the win 84-72. Both Camryn Weston and DeAndre Dishman scored a team-high 16 points.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably stay with Middle Tennessee. With the relatively thick line you could make a good case either way, though. The last time these teams met up back on January 5, UTSA eked out a close 75-72 victory. The Roadrunners have struggled mightily since then, losing nine straight games. Middle Tennessee has fared a little better, going 5-2 in their last seven. If the Raiders can keep their momentum going after the UTEP win I think they’ll be fine cover-wise. It could very well be a much closer outcome, though.