Missouri State Basketball hosts Louisiana Tech on Thursday in pivotal CUSA test
Missouri State looks to tighten its grip on a winning conference record when Louisiana Tech visits for a nationally televised clash on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Tip is set for 8:30 p.m. ET, with both teams entering at 13-10 overall and jockeying for Conference USA positioning down the stretch.
What’s at stake in the CUSA race
The Bears sit at 7-5 in league play, a game up in the loss column on the Bulldogs at 6-6. A home victory would keep Missouri State on a path toward a top-half seed in the conference tournament, while Louisiana Tech can pull even in the standings with a road result. With fewer than four weeks to play before bracket season, every game has outsized implications for seeding and momentum.
Recent form: Both teams seeking a bounce-back
Missouri State returns home after a narrow 79-76 setback on the road against Liberty. Keith Palek III powered the Bears with 25 points and nine rebounds, drilling three of four from deep and shooting better than 50 percent from the field. Michael Osei-Bonsu added 16 points, nine boards, and two steals, giving Missouri State consistent interior presence and activity on the glass.
Louisiana Tech is also coming off a defeat, falling 87-78 at home to Sam Houston. Guard AJ Bates led the Bulldogs with 21 points and six assists on efficient shooting, while Sir Issac Herron made his mark inside with 18 points, three blocks, and a 75 percent field-goal clip. That tandem gives Tech a balance of perimeter shot creation and rim pressure that will test Missouri State’s half-court defense.
Matchups to watch
– Keith Palek III vs. the Bulldogs’ frontcourt: Palek’s stretch skill set opens driving lanes and can pull shot-blockers away from the basket. If his perimeter touch carries over, Missouri State’s spacing should improve across the board.
– Michael Osei-Bonsu on the glass: The Bears leaned on his rebounding and putbacks in their last outing. Winning extra possessions could tilt a tight contest, especially late.
– AJ Bates initiating for Tech: Bates’ ability to beat the first defender and find shooters will be central to the Bulldogs’ offense. Missouri State’s point-of-attack defense and help rotations must stay connected to limit clean looks.
– Sir Issac Herron at the rim: Herron’s shot-blocking can disrupt drives and floaters. If the Bears can draw him into early foul trouble or stretch him horizontally in pick-and-pop actions, they’ll blunt one of Tech’s key advantages.
Home floor and game flow
Back on its home court and under the national spotlight, Missouri State will aim to set the terms early with pace and physicality. The Bears have been at their best when they rebound in traffic and turn stops into early offense. Louisiana Tech, meanwhile, will look to stabilize with half-court execution, trusting Bates to control tempo and Herron to anchor the paint. The side that dictates rhythm—whether it’s quicker strikes from the Bears or deliberate, inside-out possessions from the Bulldogs—should find the friendlier shot profile.
Numbers that could swing it
– Three-point efficiency: Missouri State’s late surge at Liberty featured timely perimeter shooting, while Tech’s best stretches flow from drive-and-kick threes. A modest edge from beyond the arc could be decisive.
– Turnovers: Both teams come in off games where offensive spurts were offset by momentum swings. Limiting live-ball mistakes will protect against runs in a setting where crowd energy can amplify a couple of quick buckets.
– Free throws: In a matchup this tight on paper, trips to the line and conversion rate may end up as the ultimate separator in the final minutes.
Tip time
Missouri State hosts Louisiana Tech on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, with tipoff set for 8:30 p.m. ET. The matchup will be carried to a national audience, adding extra shine to a contest with tangible impact on the CUSA table.
