JQHTonight the Flames will take on the Missouri State Bears in the second stage of the Corpus Cristi Challenge at JQH Arena. Here’s what you’ll need to know going into the contest.

Introduction: The Bears come in unbeaten at 4-0 having downed ODU, Tulsa, Grambling State, and Hampton. Coached by Paul Lusk, they boast a squad capable of challenging Witchita State for the Missouri Valley Conference title when healthy. The key words are “when healthy”. They recently lost two of their key players, 2012-13 MVC Freshman of the Year Marcus Marshall, along with Keith Pickens. Marshall ranked second on the team in points while leading the Bears in assists, while Pickens was the fourth in points per game while ranking second in rebounds by .1. Both have MRIs today to determine the severity of their injuries.

Tonight will be the first ever matchup between the Flames and Bears.

Offense: Missouri State has one of the nation’s best offenses, ranking 26th in points per game. This high ranking hasn’t come from just rushing the ball up and down the court though, the Bears are efficient with their shots, shooting above 50% from the floor and over 45% from outside the arc. Jarmar Gulley has come off his medical redshirt season with a vengence, and he leads the Bears with 15.5 points per game, shooting 58% from the field and 60% from three.

Defense: The Bears aren’t so efficient on D, allowing opponents 73.5 ppg, and achieving a 191 defensive efficiency ranking from KenPom. So far this year, they have allowed at least 67 points in every contest. However, Jarmar Gulley has 2.3 steals per game while also leading the team with 5.8 rebounds per contest..

Player Turnover: The big loss from last season is Anthony Downing, their leading scorer. His 13.7 points per game will be missed, but he shot an atrocious 26% (35/136) from 3 point territory. Drew Wilson also transferred out after scoring just 2.5 points per game last season. The bears have added more than they lost since last year.

Preseason All MVC selection Marcus Marshall won't play due to injury

Preseason All MVC selection Marcus Marshall won’t play due to injury

Possible Starters

Guard: Dorrian Williams (#23) 6’3″ Sophomore- Marcus Marshall was a do it all, dynamic scorer for the Bears. He had great quickness to make plays inside the paint, while also possessing deep range. Williams on the other hand will be more of a game manager, just trying to make a positive impact on the game. He will limit turnovers and has a good shot if left open.

Guard: Austin Ruder (#2) 6’3″ Freshman- The Bears really like what they’ve got in freshman, Austin Ruder. He was rated a 3 star recruit by Rivals and is tied with only Jarmar Gulley for most minutes played per game (24.3).

Forward: Ron Mvouika (#10) 6’6″ Junior- The JUCO transfer has had an immediate impact for Mississipi State. He will play a much larger role without Pickens available, and has done well with the minutes he has gotten thus far. He is a versatile player that can play numerous spots on the floor, and brings good intensity on both offense and defense. Over the past two games, he has a well rounded 16 points (two 3s), 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals.

Forward: Jarmar Gulley (#5) 6’5″ Senior- After tearing an ACL last season, Gulley has come back looking as good as ever. He leads the Bears in points, rebounds, steals, minutes, and shoots 60% from three. Gulley can do it all.

Forward: Christian Kirk (#42) 6’8″ Junior- Kirk really came on against Hampton, putting up 21 points and 9 rebounds. He will still rotate out for Tyler McCullough, a 6’11” freshman, but Kirk has shown he has the ability to be an impact player.

Really we could see anyone get significant minutes for the Bears tonight. This is one of the deepest teams they have had, displaying 12 players averaging nine or more minutes. With two key guys missing, the door is open for many players to make a larger impact than usual.

Prediction: Due to Bears’  injuries, the Flames may keep it close for awhile, but Missouri State’s offense is too good to not make a run at some point during the game. They have an aresenal of weapons that will set a pace the Flames just simply can’t keep up with for 40 minutes. The Flames are yet to win a D1 game while the Bears are yet to lose one. The Bears reach 5-0 for the first time under coach Lusk 83-61.