Preview: Missouri State opens the Missouri Valley Conference season against Loyola

Junior Reggie Scurry prepares to attack the bucket against Oral Roberts on Dec. 10.

Before every Missouri State men's basketball game, The Standard’s Alec McChesney previews the upcoming opponent with a scouting report and game prediction.

Friday’s game: Missouri State hosts Loyola-Chicago at 8 p.m. at JQH Arena in Springfield, Missouri.

Loyola’ s record: 10-2 with a huge 65-59 victory on the road against No. 5 Florida. The Ramblers last played on Dec. 16, when they fell to Milwaukee — their worst loss of the season.