Kobi Williams scored 24 points and Keith Palek III added 20 to lead Missouri State past Northeastern State (Okla.) 92-71 on Sunday, closing a three-game home stand with a convincing win.
The Bears (43) never trailed, shooting 53.2% from the field and hitting 11 three-pointers, including five from Williams. Palek posted his first double-double of the season with 12 rebounds, while Trey Williams Jr. delivered a career-high 15 points and six assists. Darrion Sutton added 13 off the bench and Zaxton King scored 10.
Missouri State blitzed Northeastern State early, shooting 62.2% in the first half and pouring in 60 points for a 27-point halftime lead. Williams hit three threes before the break, including a buzzer-beater from the left corner, while Williams Jr. added 12 points and five assists in the opening period.
Northeastern State (52), from the MIAA, was led by Ethan Blackmon’s 14 points and AJ Reed Jr.’s 12. The Riverhawks settled in after halftime and outscored the Bears 38-32 in the second half, trimming the deficit to 16 twice, but Missouri State answered each push.
The Bears finished with a 4026 rebounding edge, shot a season-best 45.8% from three (11-for-24), and went 13-for-16 at the free-throw line. They also dominated the paint with 44 points.
Missouri State now hits the road for two games, beginning Dec. 6 at Tulsa before a Dec. 12 matchup at Xavier on truTV. The Bears return home Dec. 16 to host Oral Roberts.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI