Missouri State at Valparaiso & Loyola
Dates and Times	March 3, 6 p.m. at Valparaiso (10-17, 8-8) March 5, 1 p.m. at Loyola (17-10, 9-7)
Locations	Valparaiso, Ind. | Chicago, Ill.
Sites	ARC  | Gentile Arena
Radio	KWTO 101.3 FM
Listen Live	RadioSpringfield.com
Live Video	Valparaiso (ESPN+) | Loyola (ESPN+)
Live Stats	Valparaiso | Loyola
Missouri State	Notes for Valparaiso Game | Notes for Loyola Game (By Friday at 5 p.m.) | WBB Home Page
Valparaiso	Women's Basketball Home Page
Loyola	Women's Basketball Home Page

Starting Five - Storylines 
1) Missouri State has continued its tradition of strong defensive play. The Lady Bears currently own the 11th-best scoring defense in the nation at 53.6, MSU's defensive average is on pace to rank second in school history. Overall, MSU also ranks in the top 25 nationally in: offensive rebounds per game – 14th, free throws made – 15th, blocks – 18th, blocks per game – 19th and free throw attempts – 22nd.

2) Out of the 26 opponents that qualify, Missouri State has held 21 out of 26 opponents under their scoring average entering their games against the Lady Bears. Across all 26 games, MSU is holding opponents to an average of 14.3 points below their scoring average prior to facing the Lady Bears. Missouri State has held eight opponents to 20+ points below their scoring average prior to facing the Lady Bears.

3) Four of Missouri State's 2022 opponents are currently ranked in the Top 25 or receving votes in at least one of the two major polls. MSU defeated then-No. 24 Virginia Tech which is now ranked No. 21/24, as well as collecting victories over South Dakota State Univeristy and Toledo who are receiving votes. One of MSU's five losses this season came at the hand of LSU, which is now ranked No. 6 in the country. 

4) Abi Jackson has stepped into a key role for the Lady Bears this season. Jackson leads Missouri State in conference play with 16.1 ppg and 7.0 rpg. Jackson has recorded double digit scoring performances in 14 of 16 games since stepping into the starting lineup consistently at the start of conference play and has recorded six-straight games with 14+ points. She is 4th on the MSU single-season blocks list with 59 on the year and is 6th on MSU's career blocks list with 88 total blocks as a Lady Bear.

5) Missouri State is 95-15 overall since Dec. 20, 2018, which is seventh nationally in total wins since that date and seventh in win percentage (.864). Five teams ahead of the Lady Bears on the wins list have been ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll over that span.

The Opponents
Valparaiso is currently 10-17 on the season and 8-8 in MVC play. The Beacons have three players averaging 10+ ppg, with Shay Frederick leading the way with 12.0 ppg. Grace White is Valpo's leading rebounder with 6.0 rpg. As a team, the Beacons are shooting .420 from the field and .326 from behind the arc, while averaging 61.1 ppg and 28.1 rpg.
   Loyola is 17-10 this season and 9-7 in conference play. Maya Chandler and Allison Day lead the Ramblers, as they average 10.7 and 10.5 ppg, respectively. Sitori Tanin leads Loyola with 5.5 rpg. As a unit, the Ramblers are averaging 61.2 ppg and 37.6 rpg, with a .407 field goal percentage and .309 three-point field goal percentage.  

Series Histories

MSU holds the all-time series lead against Valparaiso, 9-0. Missouri State won both matchups last season on the road at Valparaiso by scores of 61-51 and 74-73. This season in Springfield, the Lady Bears defeated the Beacons, 74-62.
   Missouri State leads the all-time series versus Loyola, 17-3. On the road, the Lady Bears are 6-3 all-time against the Ramblers. However, MSU has been victorious in the last 17 matchups, including a 55-38 victory earlier this season.