Missouri State women’s basketball (7-3) dropped a close overtime contest to Kansas (8-2), 73-70, Sunday at Great Southern Bank Arena, marking just the seventh home loss under coach Beth Cunningham.Kaemyn Bekemeier led the Lady Bears with 21 points and six rebounds, while Lainie Douglas added 17 points and nine boards. Missouri State held a 13-point lead in the third quarter, but Kansas chipped away, sending the game into overtime. S’Mya Nichols scored 10 of Kansas’ 18 fourth-quarter points, including the last four to tie the game.
In the extra period, both teams traded points before Kansas hit key free throws late to seal the win. Bekemeier hit her fourth three-pointer with four seconds left, but the Lady Bears could not get a final shot off.
Missouri State won the battle on the boards 45-35, converted 14 Kansas turnovers into 17 points, and shot 37.9 percent from the field, 43.8 percent from three-point range, and 73.1 percent at the free-throw line.
The Lady Bears return home Saturday, Dec. 13, to host Arkansas at 1 p.m. with coverage on ESPN+. Fans are encouraged to wear white, and a halftime performance by the Amazing Tyler Balancing Act is planned. Graduates from Fall 2025 may redeem a graduation souvenir for a free ticket and purchase companion tickets at a discount.
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