- Matchup: UTEP Miners vs Missouri State Bears
- Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
- Venue: Great Southern Bank Arena, Springfield, MO
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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This Friday, the Missouri State Bears (6-5) will host the UTEP Miners (4-7) at Great Southern Bank Arena, aiming for a victory.
The UTEP Miners recently secured a decisive 76-66 win against North Dakota State. During this game, UTEP achieved a solid field goal percentage of 47.3% (26 of 55) and converted 8 of 20 attempts from three-point range. At the free-throw line, they succeeded with 76.2%, scoring 16 of 21. Rebounding was also a focus, as they collected a total of 27 boards, including 9 offensive rebounds. Additionally, the team registered 12 assists while forcing their opponents into 16 turnovers, achieving 12 steals. On the defensive side, UTEP allowed North Dakota State to shoot 50.0% (24 of 48). North Dakota State managed 13 assists and 4 steals, garnering 25 total rebounds (6 offensive, 19 defensive) without any blocks. Their free-throw efficiency was 71.4%, hitting 15 of 21 attempts, and from beyond the arc, they made only 3 of 16 shots. Both teams ended the contest with 18 personal fouls.
Elijah Jones stood out in this matchup, contributing significantly with 24 points on 10 of 15 shooting in 30 minutes of play. He also collected 4 rebounds and dished out 2 assists, ending the game with an impressive 66.7% shooting percentage.
Entering this contest, UTEP holds a record of 4-7 for the season. The Miners average 72.4 points per game (ranked 293rd in Division 1) while shooting 44.8% from the field. From three-point territory, their shooting percentage stands at 31.4% (69 of 220), and they convert 64.5% of free-throw attempts. UTEP averages 32.8 rebounds per game and has totaled 140 assists this season, placing them at 348th nationally for ball distribution. Additionally, they commit an average of 12.8 turnovers and 20.5 fouls per game.
Defensively, the Miners force 15.5 turnovers per game and commit an average of 17.1 personal fouls. They allow 34.6% shooting from beyond the arc and rank 134th in the nation in points allowed per game (71.2). The UTEP defense has an opponent shooting percentage of 44.6% (256 of 574) and allows 35.5 rebounds per game, ranking 69th for assists surrendered with a total of 145 this season.
In their most recent game, the Missouri State Bears triumphed over Lindenwood with a score of 70-65. They secured 28 defensive rebounds and gathered 10 offensive boards, totaling 38 for the game. They committed possession errors only 7 times while achieving 5 steals throughout the matchup. Lindenwood was penalized with 19 personal fouls, allowing the Bears 23 free-throw opportunities, of which they converted 12, marking a 52.2% success rate. When attempting three-pointers, Missouri State hit only 6 of 27 (22.2%). Overall, the Bears finished the night shooting 26 of 62 from the field (41.9%), while permitting Lindenwood to make 22 of 59 attempts (37.3%). Missouri State struggled from three-point range as well, completing just 3 of 22 attempts (13.6%) and hitting 18 of 31 from the free-throw line (58.1%). Defensively, they allowed Lindenwood to secure 37 rebounds (11 offensive).
Michael Osei-Bonsu was a standout player for the Bears, scoring 19 points in just 24 minutes of play and providing 2 assists. His shooting was exceptional at 66.7% (8 of 12), and he secured 6 rebounds.
This season, Missouri State holds a record of 6-5. The Bears average 16.6 fouls per game and convert 67.2% of their free-throw attempts. They average 14.1 assists per game (ranked 210th nationally) and turn the ball over 11.0 times on average. Missouri State has scored 819 points this season (74.5 points per game) and averages 36.5 rebounds per game. Offensively, they are shooting 44.7% from the field, which ranks them 235th in the nation.
The Missouri State defense allows a three-point shooting percentage of 32.3% (76 of 235) and oppositional teams score 67.1% of their free-throw attempts. They concede 13.3 assists and 35.5 rebounds per game, placing them 180th and 240th in the nation, respectively. Defensively, the Bears rank 157th in Division 1 for points allowed per game (72.1). They force 11.5 turnovers per game and have allowed teams to shoot 43.4% from the field (181st in college basketball).
Who will claim victory in tonight’s NCAA game against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on Missouri State
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