SMS Whips SMU in NIT

Southwest Missouri State rebounded from the disappointment of not making the NCAA to win its first round NIT game. The Bears beat SMU, 77-64. Allen Phillips led SMS with 19 points, and Scott Brakebill added 19, as the Bears won for the 11th time in their last 12 games. The Bears used an 11-0 run late in the first half to take control, and then buried the Mustangs with a 13-0 run early in the 2nd half. The Bears will play Mississippi in the 2nd round, either Monday or Tuesday, at a site to be determined.