Missouri State holds off Lindenwood behind Osei-Bonsu’s 19 points

Michael Osei-Bonsu scored a game-high 19 points in his return from injury as Missouri State held off a late push from Lindenwood for a 70-65 win Tuesday night.Keith Palek III added 14 points and eight rebounds for the Bears (6-5), logging the 70th double-figure scoring game of his career. Kobi Williams chipped in 12 points and eight boards, including a late 3-pointer that helped seal the victory.

Lindenwood (8-5) was led by Jadis Jones with 16 points, while Dontrez Williams scored 15. Anias Futrell pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds for the Lions.

Missouri State carried a 12-point halftime lead and stretched it to 15 early in the second half before Lindenwood answered with an 11-3 run to cut the deficit to four. The Bears pushed the margin back to 12 midway through the half, but the Lions closed within 63-61 with under three minutes to play.

Zaxton King scored on a driving layup to stop the rally, and Williams buried a key 3-pointer with 47 seconds remaining to give the Bears breathing room. King later added two free throws to put the game away.

Missouri State out-rebounded Lindenwood 44-41 and finished with 40 points in the paint. The Bears shot 41.9 percent from the field.

The Bears now turn their attention to Conference USA play, opening the league schedule Dec. 29 at Delaware before returning home to host UTEP on Jan. 2.

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