Missouri State (3-2) used a 15-3 run to start the second half to pull away in an 80-60 win over Pepperdine in Springfield on Monday in the consolation round of the NIT Season Tip-Off. The win was the Bears’ 10th straight at JQH Arena and 14th straight non-conference home victory.
Four MSU players scored in double figures, including 13 by Kyle Weems and Caleb Patterson as the Bears shot 60.5% (26-of-43) from the field. After a 50-foot three-pointer at the buzzer pulled the visiting Waves (1-4) within 29-26 at the intermission, the Bears used went wild beyond the three-point line to start the second half. Adam Leonard hit two, and Jermaine Mallett made one over a two-minute stretch to build the lead to 40-29 with just over 17 minutes to play.
Missouri State out-rebounded Pepperdine 33-22, was 8-for-18 (.444) from three-point range, and made 71.4% at the free throw line. The Bears will play Pacific (4-1) in their final game of the Preseason NIT, Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at JQH Arena in a rematch of the 2010 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.
