Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Host Sam Houston State Bearkats at Murphy Athletic Center in Men's Basketball Showdown

As the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders prepare to welcome the Sam Houston State Bearkats to the Murphy Athletic Center, fans are anticipating a thrilling men's basketball encounter. The upcoming game, set in Murfreesboro, promises to be a significant event for both teams.

The Blue Raiders have had mixed results in their recent outings. In their last game against Southern Utah Thunderbirds, they put up 63 points but fell short by six points. Despite this loss, there were positive takeaways; they shot an impressive 50 percent from the field and dominated inside with 46 points in the paint. However, turnovers were a concern as they gave up possession 16 times.

A few days earlier against Saint Mary's Gaels, Middle Tennessee struggled offensively with only 34 points on board and shooting percentages that left much to be desired – under 30 percent from both field goals and three-point range. This performance was compounded by a high turnover rate of 18 which contributed to their defeat.

However, looking back at their home game against Belmont Bruins gives fans reason for optimism. The Blue Raiders scored a respectable 65 points and showed defensive prowess with five blocks and six steals while maintaining better control of the ball than in previous games.

The venue itself could play into Middle Tennessee's hands; playing at home at the Murphy Athletic Center has historically been advantageous for them due to familiar surroundings and strong fan support that often energizes the team.

Fans can expect Middle Tennessee to focus on reducing turnovers while capitalizing on scoring opportunities inside the paint where they've shown efficiency. Defense will also be crucial as they aim to contain Sam Houston State's offensive threats.

Mark your calendars for January 13th when these two teams clash at Murphy Athletic Center at 6:00 PM local time (23:00 UTC). Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+.