The Missouri State Bears will play the Murray State Racers in the first round of the MVC Tournament on Thursday afternoon at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Let’s take a look at the Missouri State preview, Murray State preview, betting matchup, and the Missouri State vs Murray State prediction.
Missouri State Preview
The Missouri State Bears are 16-15 (8-12) this year after they defeated UIC by a score of 69-59 in their last game. Missouri State led 36-31 at halftime and held UIC to only 28 points in the second half for the win. The Bears shot 39.4% from the field and were +20 in rebounding margin in the game. Missouri State has lost six of their last eight games, with the other win coming against Valpo by a score of 82-74. The Bears are scoring 72 points per game with 39.1 rebounds per game and 12.1 assists per game, while allowing 72.3 points against per game this year. Alston Mason is averaging 17.6 points per game, 3.0 rebounds per game, and 3.6 assists per game. Missouri State is shooting 44.2% from the field, 70.6% on free throws, and 31.6% on three pointers this season.
Murray State Preview
The Murray State Racers are 12-19 (9-11) this season after they lost to Indiana State by a score of 89-77 in their last game. Murray State trailed 51-39 at halftime, but did play a much better second half in the loss. The Racers shot 45.2% from the field and were +2 in rebounding margin in the game. Murray State has lost four of their last five games, with the lone win in that span coming against Valpo by a score of 80-68. The Racers are scoring 70.9 points per game with 32.7 rebounds per game and 11.7 assists per game, while giving up 70.2 points against per game this season. Quincy Anderson is averaging 12.8 points per game, 4.4 rebounds per game, and 1.1 assists per game. Murray State is shooting 45.3% from the field, 70.1% on free throws, and 32.8% on three pointers this year.
Missouri State vs Murray State Betting Prediction
Both of these teams had disappointing seasons in the MVC, but they will have a chance to save their season for at least one more game with a win here. Neither team finished the regular season playing very well, but Missouri State was at least able to get a win in their last game. Murray State did win the first two meetings with Missouri State by scores of 77-53 and 82-72, but it is not easy to beat a team three times. I don’t really care for either team in this matchup, but Missouri State should have a sizable rebounding advantage. Take the Bears here.