Sam Houston Bearkats vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Sunday January 4 2026
The Sam Houston Bearkats, who hold an 8-4 overall record and are 0-1 in Conference USA play so far this season, are hitting the road as they head to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. There, they'll take on the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, who come into the game with a 7-5 record and a 1-0 start in conference play. Get involved in the action with our free college basketball picks.
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Sam Houston vs. Middle Tennessee Game Information
- January 4, 2026
- 2:00pm EST
- Murphy Center
- ESPN+
Middle Tennessee Form & Recent Results
Middle Tennessee heads into this game hoping to bounce back after a tough loss in their previous matchup, but overall, they have been playing solid basketball recently. Although they fell short against Houston on Monday by a score of 69-60, the Blue Raiders have managed to win three of their last five games, which shows they are still finding ways to compete effectively during this stretch of the season. In the defeat to Houston, Kingston Flemings was a bright spot for Middle Tennessee, putting up 15 points and dishing out 5 assists, while Joseph Tugler contributed on the boards with 6 rebounds. As a team, the Blue Raiders actually shot the ball quite well, hitting 47% from the field and a respectable 39% from three-point range. They also collected 33 rebounds, showing some fight on the glass even in a losing effort. So far this season, Kamari Lands has stepped into the role of leading scorer, averaging 13 points per game. Right behind him is Torey Alston, who has been providing a solid offensive punch with 12.3 points per game and also making his presence felt in the paint, leading the team with an average of 8.6 rebounds. When it comes to setting up his teammates, Sean Smith has been the top playmaker for Middle Tennessee, averaging 3.5 assists so far. Looking at their recent performances, Middle Tennessee has been putting up an average of 68 points over their last five games, showing both flashes of offensive rhythm and some areas for improvement. However, they’ve been especially tough to beat at home, boasting a strong 5-1 record and averaging an impressive 81.5 points in those home games. As they prepare to host Sam Houston on Sunday, the Blue Raiders will be hoping their offensive firepower and home-court advantage can help them secure another important conference win.
Sam Houston Form & Recent Results
Sam Houston heads into this matchup riding the momentum of a recent victory, and has taken three of their last five games leading up to Friday’s contest against Western Kentucky. Their most convincing performance came last Sunday when they dominated the College of Biblical Studies with a staggering 117-57 win. In that game, Isaiah Manning truly stood out with an impressive 27 points. Matt Dann played a crucial role on the boards, collecting 15 rebounds, while Jacobe Coleman showed his vision with 6 assists. The Bearkats were firing on all cylinders, shooting a strong 56% from the field, connecting on 40% of their shots from beyond the arc, and hitting 65% of their free throws. They only turned the ball over ten times, pulled down an impressive 66 rebounds, and were in control for nearly the entire contest, leading for 97% of the game. Looking at how the season has shaped up so far, Isaiah Manning has emerged as the team's primary scoring threat, averaging 12.2 points per game. Kashie Natt hasn’t been far behind, putting up 11.8 points a night, and has also been a force on the glass, leading the squad with 7.3 rebounds per game. When it comes to distributing the ball, Justin Beggs has been the main playmaker, dishing out an average of 4.1 assists over the course of the season. Offensively, Sam Houston has found their rhythm lately, averaging 89 points over their past five games. However, their performances on the road have been a bit of a concern. Out of six games away from home, the Bearkats have managed just two wins, while surrendering an average of 84.7 points to opponents in those road contests. As they prepare to face Middle Tennessee, the team is eager to improve their record outside of their home court and pick up a significant Conference USA win. With several players stepping up this season, Sam Houston will be looking to build on their recent success and start turning their road struggles around.
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| 1 |  The Insiders Room | +1,793.00 |
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| 5 |  David Delano | +1,232.00 |
Key Stats
- Sam Houston Bearkats this season: 46% field goal percentage, 44.8 rebounds, 15.6 assists, 3.5 blocks, 7.8 steals per game
- Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders this season: 44% field goal percentage, 38.0 rebounds, 14.2 assists, 5.1 blocks, 6.4 steals per game
Betting Odds & Market Overview:
- MTSU -5.5; O/U 157.5
Sam Houston vs. Middle Tennessee Picks and Prediction
Sam Houston is making the trip to Murfreesboro this weekend for a crucial Conference USA showdown against Middle Tennessee. So far this season, the Bearkats have struggled to find their footing when playing away from home, which could make this game especially challenging for them. On the flip side, Middle Tennessee has put together an impressive record when playing in front of their home crowd, and they’ll be looking to keep that momentum going in this important meeting. Final Score Prediction, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders win but fail to cover the spread, 77-74.
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