Justin Fuehrmeyer ‘s jumper with 17 seconds left sealed a 52-47 home win for Missouri State as the Bears (4-2) turned back Arkansas State. Wade Knapp scored 15 points to lead the Bears, while Chris Cooks added 12 points and a game high 9 rebounds in the win. Aside from matching his career high in rebounds, Cooks’ game-best six assists also tied a career best.
The Bears extended a five-point halftime lead to 12 points early in the second half on a bucket by Cardell McFarland at the 17:06 mark. The Bears also led by 10 points on four occasions, including a 50-40 lead with 5:50 remaining on a three-pointer by Spencer Laurie. However, Arkansas State (6-2) fought back time after time, putting together a 7-0 run over the next four minutes before Justin Fuehrmeyer’s jumper with just 17 seconds remaining gave the Bears a 52-47 lead and sealed the win.
Knapp was 6-for-7 from the field and helped the Bears to a 42.2 shooting percentage on the night. He also grabbed six rebounds as the Bears won the rebounding battle for the first time this season, 33-31.
Arkansas State was led by Donald Boone’s 20 points as the junior guard hit 8-of-15 shots and a pair of threes.
The Bears travel to Tulsa (4-3) this Wednesday at 7:05 p.m
