The Missouri State Lady Bears defeated Northern Iowa 80-68 Thursday evening at JQH Arena to claim the ninth Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championship in program history. Already assured of at least a share of the championship entering the contest, the Lady Bears (21-6, 14-3 MVC) had four players score in double figures off the bench and held UNI (16-12, 9-8) to 32.8 percent shooting to win the title outright with their 11th consecutive victory.
Seniors Jaleshia Roberson (22), Jasmine Malone (17) and Lacey Boshe (11) joined junior Whitney Edie (12) in double figures as MSU made 28 of 64 shots overall (43.8 percent) and held a 45-41 rebounding edge. The Lady Bears had 18 assists against 13 turnovers against one of the MVC’s premiere defenses.
The Lady Bears close out the regular season Saturday at 7:05 p.m. against Bradley (15-14, 6-11). The Braves won 56-46 at Wichita State Thursday. Missouri State’s five seniors will be honored in a pregame ceremony and will address the crowd as part of the postgame festivities.