Missouri State nearly erased a 20-point second-half deficit but came up just short in a 79-76 loss to Conference USA leader Liberty on Saturday.
The Bears (13-10, 7-5 CUSA) trailed 66-46 with 12 minutes remaining before holding the Flames to just one field goal the rest of the way and cutting the margin to two points in the final seconds. Keith Palek led all scorers with 25 points, including three 3-pointers, and added nine rebounds. Michael Osei-Bonsu posted 16 points and nine boards, while Kobi Williams finished with 11 points.
Missouri State outscored Liberty 30-13 over the final 12 minutes, pulling within 75-73 after a late 3-pointer by Palek and free throws from Osei-Bonsu. Palek later made two more free throws to make it a two-point game, but Liberty’s Colin Porter went 3-of-4 at the line in the final seconds to hold off the rally. A desperation attempt by Williams at the buzzer missed the mark.
The Bears shot 48.2 percent from the field and held a 34-28 rebounding edge, but Liberty connected at a 55.1 percent clip and built its cushion during a 16-0 run midway through the second half.
Missouri State returns home Thursday to host LA Tech at Great Southern Bank Arena.
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