Missouri has had good fortune this season with six wins by three or less against just one win and 8-2 in games decided by six or less. They are very close to having a substantially worse mark. Missouri State guard Marcus Marshall, the team's leading scorer, is out.

The Bears have been a different team at home as opposed to on the road in the conference; MSU is 4-1 at JQH Arena while just 1-4 away from there with that win coming at Bradley on Jan. 8.