Missouri State’s six freshmen combined for 50 points, and the Bears knocked down 17 three-pointers in an impressive 81-67 exhibition win over visiting Missouri Western. Gavin Thurman (Fr., Wichita, Kan.) led all players with 21 points, while Anthony Downing (Sr., Atchison, Kan.) added 15, and Marcus Marshall (Fr., St. Paul, Minn.) contributed 14 in the win for MSU. Thurman was 6-of-9 from three-point range on the night.
The Bears finished 17-for-38 (.447) from three-point range with a performance that would have shattered the school three-point record of 14. MSU was 27-for-55 (.491) overall and committed just four turnovers. With Missouri Western tying the game at 27 at the 5:13 mark of the first half, but just before the half, Missouri State responded with 20-5 run to make it a 47-32 game at the intermission.
In all, 10 Missouri State players landed in the scoring column with six players contributing to the barrage of 17 three-pointers. Missouri Western finished 25-for-50 (.500) from the field, including 9-of-22 (.409) from bonus range. The Griffons were also 8-of-12 at the line and out-rebounded the Bears by a 30-24 margin.
The Bears conclude their brief two-game exhibition slate on Saturday night at JQH Arena as they host McKendree at 7:05 p.m.
