Missouri State vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Picks and Prediction for Friday March 13 2026
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The Missouri State Bears face the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the CUSA Championship Semifinal on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Propst Arena in Huntsville, Alabama. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:30 PM ET with television coverage on CBSSN. According to DraftKings, Louisiana Tech is a 1.5-point favorite with the total set at 132.5. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily predictions and betting insights.
Missouri State Riding Momentum into the Semifinal
Missouri State enters the CUSA Championship Semifinal with a 16-17 overall record and an 8-12 mark in Conference USA play. The Bears have advanced through the tournament after recently winning over Liberty 77-69 in the quarterfinal round and recently winning over FIU 75-72 in the previous round. Over their last five games, Missouri State has recently won over Liberty, FIU, and Western Kentucky while recently losing to Middle Tennessee and Sam Houston.
On the season, Missouri State averages 75.3 points per game while allowing 73.7 points per contest. The Bears shoot 45% from the field while averaging 34.8 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game. Defensively, Missouri State contributes 3.1 blocks and 6.9 steals per contest while trying to generate turnovers and transition opportunities.
In the quarterfinal win over Liberty, Michael Osei-Bonsu delivered a dominant performance with 31 points while also contributing four assists. Keith Palek III controlled the glass with nine rebounds to lead the Bears in that category. Missouri State shot an impressive 56% from the field and 50% from three-point range in that game, and if they can maintain that offensive efficiency on a short turnaround, the Bears could challenge for another upset in this semifinal matchup.
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Louisiana Tech Looking to Continue Balanced Play
Louisiana Tech enters the semifinal with a 19-13 overall record and an 11-9 conference mark. The Bulldogs advanced after recently winning over Middle Tennessee 80-69 in the quarterfinal round. Over their last five games, Louisiana Tech has recently won over Middle Tennessee, Delaware, Liberty, and Missouri State while recently losing to FIU.
The Bulldogs have been a defensive-oriented team this season, averaging 69.9 points per game while allowing just 64.8 points per contest. Louisiana Tech shoots 44% from the field and averages 38.6 rebounds and 12.7 assists per game. Defensively, the Bulldogs average 4.9 blocks and 7.5 steals per game, using length and pressure to slow opposing offenses.
In the quarterfinal victory over Middle Tennessee, AJ Bates led the Bulldogs with 29 points while Avery Thomas II grabbed nine rebounds to lead the team on the boards. Louisiana Tech shot 48% from the field and 56% from three-point range while committing only nine turnovers. That efficient offensive performance combined with their usual defensive pressure gives the Bulldogs a balanced profile entering this semifinal.
Missouri State vs Louisiana Tech Pick
Missouri State vs Louisiana Tech Spread Pick
- Pick: Louisiana Tech -1.5
Louisiana Tech enters this matchup with slightly better defensive numbers and a stronger rebounding profile, which could make the difference in a tightly contested semifinal. Missouri State is coming off two tournament games in two days, while Louisiana Tech had the benefit of playing just once and should be a bit fresher. With the Bulldogs also showing strong perimeter shooting in their last outing and maintaining solid defensive pressure, they have a small but meaningful edge in this matchup.
Missouri State vs Louisiana Tech Total Pick
- Pick: Under 132.5
I like the under in this matchup because Louisiana Tech typically plays at a slower tempo and relies heavily on defense. While Missouri State shot extremely well in its quarterfinal win, maintaining that level of shooting efficiency on a short turnaround can be difficult. With both teams capable of defending and controlling possessions, I expect a more methodical game that keeps the scoring below the total.
Final Score Prediction: Louisiana Tech 68, Missouri State 63
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