Missouri Valley foes will collide when the Wichita State Shockers (19-7) square off against the Missouri State Bears (11-15) at Charles Koch Arena. Action begins at 7:00 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 18 and will air on CCS.
The Shockers enter this game hoping for similar success after blowing out New Mexico State 71-41 on Monday. Fred VanVleet had 12 points, seven assists, and two steals for Wichita State. The Bears, meanwhile, are coming off an 89-85 win against Indiana State on Saturday. Camyn Boone claimed his second double-double of the season with 30 points and 12 rebounds.
Chris Kendrix has been hot over the last five games for the Bears, averaging 19.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.0 block, and 2.4 three-pointers.
The Wichita State defense could make it difficult on the shooters from Missouri State. It ranks 18th in the nation in forcing misses (opponents’ eFG% of 44.9%), while the Missouri State offense is 314th with a mark of 46.1%. Furthermore, the 299th-ranked offense of the Bears (offensive efficiency of 98.2) will face a tough test against the second-ranked defense of the Shockers (defensive efficiency of 90.7).
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Shockers won the first game 78-62. Markis McDuffie was a top performer in the victory with 16 points and nine rebounds.
The Shockers come into this game 19-7 Straight Up (SU) and 15-9 Against The Spread (ATS). The Shockers, sporting the 31st-best assist-to-turnover ratio in Division I (1.40), have proven themselves to be an extremely efficient offensive team. Turning to the defensive side, the Wichita State defense has been very good, only giving up 59.7 points per game. Wichita State’s defense can be considered one of the best in the country. The Shockers allow a .388 opponent field-goal percentage, one of the lowest shooting rates in the country.
As for their opponent, Missouri State has a SU record of 11-15 and an ATS record of 11-13-1. Missouri State performed well ATS during its last 10 games, earning an 8-2 record. The last 10 games have really brought out the best of the Bears on the defensive end. They’ve allowed 54.7 points per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 72.5.
Following the Shockers’ latest win over Missouri State, their SU record is now 10-0 over Missouri State in their most recent games. The Shockers also hold the advantage ATS with a record of 7-3. When it comes to field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers, Wichita State held the edge in all three of these categories four times in the last five meetings. Missouri State never did so in those games.
Predictions: SU Winner – Wich, ATS Winner – Wich
Notes
Missouri State scores an average of just 68.0 points per game (ranked 213th). Wichita State ranks fourth in points allowed, giving up 59.7 points per game.
Missouri State scores just 63.0 points per away game (ranked 228th). Wichita State ranks second in points allowed at home, giving up 54.9 points.
Ranked 70th, the Wichita State Shockers have an offensive rating of 111.3. The Missouri State Bears rank 214th with a defensive rating of just 104.9.
The Missouri State Bears average 69.3 possessions per game and .982 points per possession. The Wichita State Shockers earn fewer possessions with 65.4, but they score more points with 1.113.
The Wichita State Shockers average an effective field goal percentage of 49.7% this season. The Missouri State Bears have a poor record of 5-12 when opponents have an eFG% of 49.7% or greater.
The Wichita State Shockers attempt 22.0 three pointers per game this season, while the Missouri State Bears attempt 16.0. When they register 20 or more three point attempts in a game, Wichita State is a solid 12-7 while Missouri State is winless (0-3).
Wichita State ranks 97th in offensive rebounding. Missouri State ranks 180th in defensive rebounding.
On average, Missouri State forces a turnover rate of 17.9%. When Wichita State turns over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a solid 5-2 record.
