i'd have 3bet preflop here. middle pocket pairs play better on most flops against an EP raiser w/ initiative.

example. he raises utg with KQs, you 3bet out of the bb w/ 77, flop comes Axx. you bet, he's in a tough spot.

if you just flat call there, you are in the tough spot.

another - he raises AJo UTG, you 3bet 77 in the bb. flop comes Qxx. you bet.

3betting is far superior to flat calling in this situation imo.