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UTEP vs Missouri State Prediction 1/2/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks
Pick details
| MATCHUP | UTEP Miners | Missouri State Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 4-8 | 7-5 |
| Spread | +3.5 -118 | -3.5 -102 |
| Moneyline | +136 | -162 |
| Total | Over 131.5 (-110) | Under 131.5 (-110) |
| Where | Great Southern Bank Arena, Springfield, MO | |
| When | Friday, January 2, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
UTEP Miners Betting Preview
The UTEP Miners beat North Dakota State, lost to LA Tech, and they play FIU next. UTEP has lost 6 of its last 7 games.
The UTEP Miners are averaging 71.6 points on 44.2 percent shooting and allowing 71.5 points on 44.4 percent shooting. Elijah Jones is averaging 14.3 points and 4.4 rebounds, while Jamal West Jr. is averaging 12.9 points and 6.6 rebounds. Kaseem Watson is the third double-digit scorer and Caleb Blackwell is grabbing 2.3 rebounds. The UTEP Miners are shooting 30.8 percent from beyond the arc and 65.6 percent from the free throw line. The UTEP Miners are allowing 35.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 30.4 rebounds per game.
Missouri State Bears Betting Preview
The Missouri State Bears beat Lindenwood and Delaware, and they play New Mexico State next. Missouri State has won 3 straight games.
The Missouri State Bears are averaging 80 points on 44.4 percent shooting and allowing 76.1 points on 42.6 percent shooting. Keith Palek III is averaging 17.7 points and 7.4 rebounds, while Michael Osei-Bonsu is averaging 13.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. Kobi Williams is the third double-digit scorer and Zaxton King is grabbing 3.1 rebounds. The Missouri State Bears are shooting 28.4 percent from beyond the arc and 67.6 percent from the free throw line. The Missouri State Bears are allowing 32.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 35.5 rebounds per game.
Why the Missouri State Bears will win
- UTEP has lost nine of its last 10 games against the Conference USA.
- Missouri State has won eight of its last nine games against the Conference USA.
- Missouri State has won the first half in each of its last four home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the UTEP Miners will win
- UTEP has won each of its last five Friday games.
- Missouri State has lost 14 of its last 18 night games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of UTEP’s last 11 games against the Conference USA have produced a total of 134+ points.
- Nine of Missouri State’s last 10 home games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 135+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- UTEP ranks 47th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (8.9).
- UTEP ranks 49th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (20.1).
UTEP vs Missouri State Prediction
Missouri State is just 2-7 ATS on the season, so it’s not a team I’m thrilled to lay points with. However, UTEP has serious soaring issues and lost to Norfolk State as a double-digit favorite. It’s not going to be surprising to see UTEP go on the road and lose in ugly fashion. Missouri State has the scoring edge, has won 6 of its last 8 home games, and for the most part wins the games it’s supposed to win. I’ll lay the reasonable number with Missouri State at home.
