Missouri State (5-11, 3-1) got 24 points from Anthony Downing and held visiting Illinois State (9-7, 0-4) to a season-low scoring total in a 62-55 victory over the Redbirds at JQH Arena, Tuesday night in Missouri Valley Conference play.

The Bears led by as many as 12 in the second half and held on late as Downing made 6-of-8 free throws in the final 68 seconds to secure MSU’s second conference win in a row. Downing also contributed a career-high 8 assists, while Marcus Marshall added 14 points for the Bears.  Downing made 7-of-10 field goals overall, connecting on 2-of-4 3-pionters, and collecting 3 rebounds and 2 steals in his second 24-point effort in a row.

Missouri State finished 22-for-47 (.468) from the field after producing at a 54.2 percent clip in the first half. The Bears were an efficient 7-for-16 (.438) from long range and made 11-of-18 (.611) free throws — of which 10 attempts came in the final 83 seconds.

The Bears will conclude the two-game home stand on Friday when they entertain the No. 11/13 Creighton Bluejays at 7:05 p.m.