Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks Prediction – 3/14/2025

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks are set to face off in the Conference USA Semifinal on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Propst Arena. This matchup features two teams with strong seasons, each aiming to secure a spot in the conference championship game.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks Game Preview

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders enter this contest with a 22-10 overall record, including a 12-6 mark in Conference USA play. They have won five of their last six games, demonstrating strong form as they advance in the tournament. In their recent double-overtime victory against Louisiana Tech, senior guard Jestin Porter led the team with 20 points, contributing significantly to their 77-75 win. The Blue Raiders' defense was particularly effective, limiting Louisiana Tech to just 6.7% shooting from beyond the arc.

Offensively, Middle Tennessee averages 76.2 points per game, shooting 45.3% from the field and 32% from three-point range. Porter leads the team with 14.8 points per game, while forward Essam Mostafa adds 14.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Defensively, they allow 71.4 points per game, with opponents shooting 42.1% from the field.

On the other side, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks hold a 21-11 record, with a 9-9 conference record. They are coming off a 65-56 win over Florida International, where they shot 43.4% from the field. Guard Jaron Pierre Jr. has been a standout performer, averaging 21.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. The Gamecocks' offense scores 74.5 points per game, shooting 44.6% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range. Defensively, they allow 68.7 points per game, with opponents shooting 40.8% from the field.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, Jacksonville State is favored by 1 point, with an over/under set at 138.5 points. The Gamecocks have been strong against the spread, holding a 19-10 ATS record this season. Notably, they have won six of their last seven day games and have covered the spread in four of their last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents. Middle Tennessee has also been solid, with a 17-11-2 ATS record, and has won each of its last six day games against Conference USA opponents.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks Prediction

This semifinal matchup is expected to be closely contested, with both teams having split their regular-season meetings. Jacksonville State holds a slight advantage due to their rest advantage, having not played the previous day, while Middle Tennessee is coming off a grueling double-overtime game. Additionally, Jacksonville State's strong performance against the spread and their aggressive defense could play a pivotal role in this game. Considering these factors, the prediction leans towards Jacksonville State covering the spread and advancing to the Conference USA Championship game.