*10* MASSACRE on Missouri State.

The Missouri State Bears will face the Drake Bulldogs in the first round of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Thursday, in a battle between conference lightweights. The Bears were the better of the two teams during the season, and I don't expect that to change here in the tournament. My money is on the Bears.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - The Bears swept the season series, winning 79-70 at Drake, and beating the Bulldogs 61-52 at home. Drake comes into tonight's game as losers of seven of it's last eight. The Bulldogs are 2-8 ATS in the last 10 meetings between the two teams.

2. Bounce Back - Missouri State is coming off a 78-68 loss to Southern Illinois, but the Bears have been a great bet to bounce back. They are 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight when coming off a loss.

3. X-Factor - The favorite is 23-9-1 in the last 33 meetings between the two teams.

Selection: This is a play on the Missouri Bears (10*)