Ohio Bobcats Face Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in Myrtle Beach Invitational

The Ohio Bobcats and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are set to face off in a college basketball matchup on Thursday at the HTC Center as part of the 2024 Myrtle Beach Invitational. Coming into this game, the Bobcats aim to recover from their recent 94-70 defeat in their last outing.

Leading the charge for the Ohio Bobcats is AJ Brown, who averages 14 points per game (PPG). Shereef Mitchell contributes significantly with 13 PPG, 4 rebounds per game (RPG), and 4 assists per game (APG) in the two games he has played this season. AJ Clayton, with his 11.5 PPG and a team-high 4.8 RPG, leads Ohio’s efforts on the glass. Aidan Hadaway also adds 11 PPG and 4 RPG. Other significant contributors include Elmore James, Ajay Sheldon, and Jackson Paveletzke, who maintain averages just below double digits. Collectively, Ohio sits on an average of 76.3 PPG, shooting 44.7% from the field, 37.8% from three-point range, and 74.4% from the free-throw line.

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are also looking to bounce back after an 88-67 loss to Murray State, which brought their current season record to 3-1. Upcoming games for Middle Tennessee include matchups against UAB, Belmont, Cal Baptist, and Lipscomb. Jestin Porter is the Blue Raiders’ leading scorer with an average of 14.8 PPG and 1.8 steals per game (SPG). Essam Mostafa contributes 12.3 PPG and leads with 8.3 RPG. Camryn Weston, with 11.3 PPG and 3.5 APG, plays a crucial role in assists. The team averages 80.8 points per game on 48.4% shooting, although their three-point shooting is at a relatively lower 26.6%.

Middle Tennessee’s strategy focuses on capitalizing inside the arc, as they are known for attempting the fifth-fewest three-point shots per game this season. Their solid defense on the perimeter could pose challenges for Ohio, which relies heavily on long-range shots. According to statistical analyses and trends, the Blue Raiders are favored for their ability to secure rebounds and maintain scoring efficiency from the free-throw line.

Historically, Ohio and Middle Tennessee previously clashed at the 2023 Baha Mar Hoops Nassau Championship, where Ohio triumphed with an 80-68 victory. However, the current odds slightly favor Ohio with a 1.5-point advantage, despite their recent struggles and a starting season record of 1-3. The over/under for the game is set at 147.5 points, with the competition resuming at noon ET at the HTC Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.