UIS men's basketball, the top-ranked team in the GLVC Point Rating System (PRS) at 4.00, travels to Rolla, Mo., to face Missouri S&T in a matchup originally scheduled for late January before winter weather forced a postponement. The Prairie Stars and the Miners will tip off at 7:30 p.m.

Illinois Springfield (15-7, 11-3 GLVC)
UIS split last weekend on the road, opening with a smooth win at Maryville to complete a season sweep before falling 77-69 at McKendree. The Prairie Stars struggled to erase a single-digit first-half deficit against the Bearcats, a reminder of how slim the margins can be late in the season.

Offensively, UIS features one of the league's deepest and most versatile lineups. Jordan Rice leads the way at 17.4 points per game, while Alex Stell anchors the interior, averaging 8.4 rebounds per contest—tied for sixth in the GLVC. Isaiah Davis provides a major perimeter threat as the team's second-leading scorer and sits atop the league in three-pointers made (79), tied with Drury's Zach Howell. 

UIS is averaging 80.6 points per game while allowing 71.5, giving the Prairie Stars the fourth-best scoring margin in the GLVC. On the glass, UIS ranks eighth in total rebounds (36.4 per game) but third in rebounding margin, showing an ability to limit opponents' second chances.

After Tuesday's matchup, UIS will have a Thursday bye before traveling to Indianapolis to face the UIndy Greyhounds on Saturday.

No. 24 Missouri S&T (16-4, 10-3 GLVC)
The nationally ranked Miners enter Tuesday riding a three-game winning streak after bouncing back from losses to McKendree and UIndy. Wins over Lewis, Upper Iowa, and Quincy have S&T trending upward as the postseason approaches, and UIS will look to halt that momentum.

Missouri S&T returned much of the core from its NCAA postseason team and relies on balance rather than a single dominant scorer. Andrew Young leads the team at 16.1 points per game (11th in the GLVC) while contributing across the stat sheet, ranking among league leaders in rebounds (6.6 per game) and blocked shots (1.1 per game).

The Miners are second in the GLVC in total rebounds (38.0 per game) and also rank second in turnover margin, creating extra possessions on both ends of the floor. That contrasts with UIS, which sits eighth in turnover margin, making ball security a key factor in the matchup.

Key Matchup to Watch
Rebounding and pace could decide this one. Missouri S&T is one of the league's strongest rebounding teams, while UIS has been efficient at limiting opponents. If the Prairie Stars can hold their own on the glass and capitalize on perimeter looks, they'll be well-positioned in a tightly contested GLVC battle.

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