GAME NOTES: The Missouri State Bears will try to find a way back into the win column when they host the Wichita State Shockers in a Missouri Valley Conference show down at the Hammons Student Center. The Shockers snapped a small two-game losing skid with a strong, 80-73 victory over Bradley this past Saturday on the road. The Shockers are just 1-2 in league play this season, but over the two previous campaigns, the squad tallied a solid 22-14 mark against MVC foes. As for the Bears, they have struggled of late, losing three of their last four games, including a heartbreaking, 50-49 setback to Creighton over the weekend. Missouri State is a mediocre 8-7 on the year, but at home the squad is a strong 7-1 at the Hammons Student Center. It does not get any easier for Missouri State, as the team will be on the road for four of its next six games. Last season the Bears won all three matchups against Wichita State, and now have a solid 26-21 edge over the Shockers in the all- time series.

Defense comes first for the Shockers, as the team is currently limiting opponents to 58.9 ppg and a 40.0 percent shooting effort from the field. The last time Wichita State was on the floor the team flexed its defensive muscle, by holding Bradley to a shooting percentage well below 40.0 percent. The Shockers also held the Braves to just 12-of-33 from behind the arc and dominated the boards, outrebounding Bradley, 38-22. At the other end of the floor, Wichita State was paced by P.J. Couisnard. Couisnard, who is currently leading the squad with 11.7 ppg, led the team in the win with 19 points. Gal Mekel also posted 19 points in the contest, while Phillip Thomasson contributed 15 points. Thomasson has also played well this season, as the forward is netting 11.4 ppg, while shooting just under 50.0 percent from the floor.

The Bears are coming off an embarrassing performance this weekend, as the squad was held to just 49 points in a one point loss to Creighton. In the setback, the Bears shot an abysmal 28.9 percent from the field and connected on a mere 5-of-17 attempts from behind the arc. Deven Mitchell, who is pacing the team with 16.2 ppg, was just 1-of-5 from the field in the setback, but made 10- of-12 shots from the foul line en route to a 12-point performance. Chris Cooks added 12 points and eight rebounds in the loss, while Spencer Laurie tallied 11 points. Dale Lamberth, who is the only other player posting double figures on the season (11.1 ppg) was held to just seven points against Creighton. Despite a poor offensive showing, the Bears have been mediocre throughout the year, netting 67.3 ppg, while shooting over 45.0 percent.

Obviously the Bears would like to put their last game behind them, but to do so the team must produce at a higher level offensively. This should be a low scoring affair, but considering how well Missouri State plays at home, the Bears should post a win tonight.