In an eagerly anticipated college basketball showdown, the Lindenwood Lions are set to face off against the Missouri State Bears in Springfield, Missouri.
The Lions have an 8-4 overall record and a 2-0 start in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). They’ll be looking to keep their winning streak alive.
Meanwhile, the Bears are 5-5 this season and hope their home-court advantage will help them snag a much-needed victory. Both teams bring top performers and some flashy stats to the table.
There’s a lot riding on this one—should be a fun watch.
Missouri State Bears: Home Court Advantage
Missouri State has looked solid at home, posting a 5-2 record so far. The Bears average 74.9 points per game on their own court, shooting 45.0% from the field.
That shooting percentage puts them seventh in Conference USA (CUSA). Their ability to score efficiently is a big part of what keeps them competitive.
Key Player: Keith Palek III
Keith Palek III is the guy to watch for Missouri State. He dropped 27 points in a tight 63-62 win over the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles.
Palek has a knack for delivering in big moments. His steady hand under pressure could be a difference-maker against Lindenwood.
Team Shooting Efficiency
The Bears’ shooting efficiency stands out. They’re hitting 45.0% of their shots this season, which is a notch above the 40.4% that Lindenwood allows opponents.
This gap in shooting percentages might end up being pretty important. Missouri State’s knack for converting shots, especially at home, gives them a real edge.
Lindenwood Lions: Road Warriors
The Lindenwood Lions have had a rougher time on the road, going 2-4 away from home. Still, they lead the OVC with 17.6 assists per game, which says a lot about their teamwork and ball movement.
Clayton Jackson is a key part of that, averaging 4.1 assists per game as he sets up the offense. The Lions rely on his vision to keep things moving.
Key Player: Anias Futrell
Anias Futrell is another big piece for Lindenwood. He’s shooting 42.2% from three and knocking down 2.5 triples per game.
Futrell averages 15.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. He does a bit of everything and gives the Lions a real spark, especially from long range.
Recent Performances
Jadis Jones has been on fire lately for Lindenwood. Over the last ten games, he’s averaging 15.9 points while shooting a ridiculous 66.3%.
Jones’ hot streak has been huge for the Lions. They’ll need him to keep it up against Missouri State.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Looking at both teams, a few stats really jump out. Missouri State’s shooting efficiency—45.0% from the field—stands out against Lindenwood’s 40.4% allowed.
Lindenwood, on the other hand, moves the ball well and leads the OVC in assists. That team play keeps them in games even when they’re on the road.
Three-Point Shooting
Three-point shooting could swing things. Lindenwood averages 6.4 made threes per game, which is right around what Missouri State tends to allow.
The Bears will have to tighten up their perimeter defense if they want to keep Lindenwood from getting hot from deep. The Lions, meanwhile, will be looking for any defensive slip-ups to capitalize on.
Defensive Strategies
Defense will be a big storyline here. Missouri State’s ability to limit opponents’ shooting will get tested by Lindenwood’s passing and shooting threats.
Lindenwood needs to find a way to slow down Keith Palek III and keep the Bears from getting into a rhythm. Whichever team can stick to their defensive plan might just come out on top.
This matchup between the Lindenwood Lions and Missouri State Bears is shaping up to be something special. Both teams have standout players and some pretty impressive stats this season.
Missouri State’s got the home-court advantage, but Lindenwood brings strong teamwork and a handful of scorers who can mix things up. Honestly, it could go either way, and if you’re into college basketball, you probably won’t want to miss it.
For more details on the game and to stay updated with the latest sports news, check out the full article on Fox Sports.
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