Missouri State (2-6) shot less than 30 percent from the field and committed 15 turnovers in a 61-42 loss at Tulsa University, the club’s fourth straight defeat. Hometown product Drew Wilson had game highs 11 points and 11 rebounds to lead MSU. Pat Swilling and Rashad Ray scored 11 apiece for Tulsa (5-3).
The Bears played a near-even first half, matching the Golden Hurricane in field goals and three pointers, but trailed 28-22 with Tulsa getting six more free throws. The Bears stormed out of the gates in the second half, scoring the first four points on a Christian Kirk 10-footer and a Wilson steal and dunk to make it a 28-26 game.
But back-to-back three-point plays by Tulsa pushed the home club back ahead by eight as Ray and Kauri Black converted big plays in the first three minutes. Later, a dunk by D’Andre Wright and baseline drive by Shaquille Harrison pushed TU ahead by 10 to match its biggest lead to that point, 40-30, at the 14-minute mark.
MSU finished 15-for-51 (.294) from the field and 1-for-19 (.053) from 3-point range. The Bears were 11-for-21 (.524) at the line with Marshall making 7-of-10 and Wilson making 3-of-6 at the stripe. Missouri State was out-rebounded 33-32 but got 12 offensive boards and six second-chance points.
The Bears are back on the road Saturday at 3 p.m. for a date with #23 Oklahoma state (6-1).
