Missouri State put on a show in its lone preseason exhibition Friday night, rolling past Maryville University 92-67 behind a breakout performance from transfer guard Kobi Williams.
Williams, a Truman State transfer, poured in 30 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including seven three-pointers, as the Bears shot 48 percent from the field and hit 13 threes overall. He was one of four Missouri State players in double figures, joined by Michael Osei-Bonsu and Keith Palek III with 13 points apiece and Logan Epes with 11.
The Bears dominated the glass, outrebounding the Saints 52-38 and converting 18 offensive rebounds into 20 second-chance points. Osei-Bonsu and Palek each grabbed six boards, while five other Bears finished with five rebounds.
Missouri State built a commanding 48-24 halftime lead, fueled by 16 first-half points from Williams and a 16-0 run midway through the period. Williams stayed hot in the second half, scoring 12 of the Bears’ first 14 points after the break, helping push the lead to as many as 29.
Maryville’s Henry Sanchez Perez caught fire late, hitting four straight three-pointers during a personal 12-point stretch, but the Saints never seriously threatened. Evan Palmquist led Maryville with 19 points, and Kickapoo product Cam Liggins added eight points and five rebounds.
Missouri State finished 31-of-64 (48.4%) from the field and 13-of-33 (39.4%) from beyond the arc. The Bears also tallied 23 assists, 12 steals, and seven blocks in the balanced effort, with all 12 players grabbing at least one rebound.
The Bears now turn their attention to the regular season opener Tuesday, when they host Missouri Southern at 7 inside Great Southern Bank Arena.
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