Missouri State vs. Mississippi State

Mississippi State coach Ben Howland preaches defense and liked his team’s compete level in a 74-72 defeat against Texas Tech on Friday. They were better defensively against the Red Raiders after giving up 105 points to Miami (Fla.) in the opening round. They face a winless Missouri State squad that has scored 65, 59, and 69 points in three defeats. Missouri State guard Dequon Miller is averaging almost 10 points, but the junior college transfer is just 5-for-31 from the field and 1-of-14 from 3-point range. Missouri State is off a spread cover, but the Bears are 9-2 UNDER the total after a cover, and this shapes up as a contest with more defense than offense. Play this one UNDER the total.