Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Set to Conquer Bearkats at Bernard Johnson Coliseum

As the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders prepare to face off against the Sam Houston State Bearkats, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be a riveting encounter at Bernard Johnson Coliseum. The MTU team is coming off a string of performances that have showcased their resilience and skill, particularly in their recent nail-biter against the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters on January 11, where they emerged victorious with a score of 64-61 after an intense overtime showdown.

The Blue Raiders' statistics speak volumes about their tenacity on the court. With an impressive 53 percent shooting from two-point range and an astounding 82 percent from the free-throw line in their last game, MTU has demonstrated that they can maintain composure under pressure and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Their dominance in points in the paint was evident as they racked up 50 points, underscoring their ability to penetrate defenses and finish strong at the rim.

However, it's not just offense where MTU shines; defensively, they've been formidable as well. The team pulled down a total of 42 rebounds against Louisiana Tech, with a significant contribution from defensive boards. This rebounding prowess will be crucial when facing SHSU's offense.

While MTU's performance has been commendable, it would be remiss not to acknowledge SHSU's capabilities. The Bearkats have shown themselves to be worthy adversaries with strengths that could pose challenges for MTU. It will be essential for the Blue Raiders to maintain tight defense and minimize turnovers – areas where they've had some struggles previously but have shown improvement over time.

Looking back at December games provides further insight into how MTU might approach this upcoming contest. Against Grand Canyon Antelopes on December 30th despite falling short by nine points (59-68), there were flashes of brilliance from MTU that could turn tides if harnessed effectively come game day.

The most telling performance came when hosting Northern Kentucky Norse on December 21st; here we saw what Middle Tennessee is truly capable of when firing on all cylinders – an emphatic victory margin (83-42) fueled by aggressive defense leading to turnovers which translated into fast-break opportunities.

Fans should expect nothing less than full-throttle intensity from Middle Tennessee as they aim to dictate play early on both ends of the floor against Sam Houston State Bearkats come January 13th at Bernard Johnson Coliseum. With tip-off scheduled for 2:00 PM CT, supporters who can't make it in person should mark their calendars and tune in live for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this season’s campaign.