Missouri State battled Evansville in the third overtime between the clubs in four meetings, only to fall short, 62-59, in Missouri Valley Conference play.

MSU nearly pulled off a miracle comeback, overcoming a four-point with baskets by Nathan Scheer with 7.6 to go before Anthony Downing stole the inbound pass and scored the tying layup with 4.4 to go to force the extra period.

In overtime, Evansville went 5-for-8 from the field, including a key jumper by Ned Cox with 5.4 seconds left to seal the win.

The Bears (3-11, 1-1) got 17 points and 9 rebounds from Downing, while Nathan Scheer added 10. Evansville (8-6, 1-1) was led Egidijus Mockevicius with 18 points, while Troy Taylor added 19 rebounds for the Purple Aces.