The Missouri State Bears are just one win away from a trip to Madison Square Garden after a 60-59 win over Houston in a second-round NIT game.
The Cougars took a 59-57 lead with 11.8 seconds left on a layup by Lanny Smith. Missouri State senior Deke Thompson missed a jumper on the Bears’ ensuing possession, but Nathan Bilyeu grabbed the rebound and scored with 2.3 seconds left. Bilyeu was also fouled on the play and made the game-winning free throw.
Kellen Easley led Missouri State with 14 points while Bilyeu added 12. The Bears (22-8) play at Louisville on Wednesday night in an NIT quarterfinal game.
