Missouri State basketball vs UIC: Scouting report, prediction for MVC action

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Missouri State basketball will host Illinois Chicago in Missouri Valley Conference play on Tuesday, looking to snap a three-game losing streak.

The Bears (7-8, 0-4 MVC) and Flames (9-5, 2-2 MVC) will meet at 7 p.m. at Great Southern Bank Arena. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

UIC has won five of its last six games, including a New Year’s Day win over then-unbeaten Drake, but suffered a five-point loss at Belmont on Saturday.

Cuonzo Martin’s Bears have lost their last three and are winless in league play. They kept it close with first-place Bradley for much of Saturday, but the Braves pulled away in the second half.

Missouri State basketball’s toughness is only getting it so far

Only during the Bears’ win over Division II Lincoln — which was much closer than it should have been — has their effort and desire been questioned. That’s a breath of fresh air when that had been so inconsistent during the program’s final five years under Dana Ford.

We’ve seen Martin’s trademarked “toughness” keep them in games against Butler and Bradley, the two best teams they’ve faced all year. However, it’s only gotten them so far. Now, at 7-8, they’re below .500 for the first time since losing on opening night.

The Missouri State Bears took on the UT Arlington Mavericks at Great Southern Bank Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024.

The defense hasn’t been an issue for a team designed to hold opponents to the 50s and lower 60s. Martin wants to force rock fights, and it was apparent from the offseason roster-building that the Bears didn’t attract too many high-level scorers and would instead lean on forcing rock fights with opponents.

The offense has been a struggle, ranking in the bottom 100 of the country in most categories. They’re not deep, averaging only 14 points off the bench per game. Somehow, 40 teams are shooting free throws worse than the Bears, who are 65.9% from the line, and it’s costing them wins.

UIC basketball off to a good start under new coach Rob Ehsan

The Flames have won five of their…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/missouri-state-basketball-vs-uic-163421409.html

Author : Springfield News-Leader

Publish date : 2025-01-06 16:34:00

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