Anthony Downing matched a career high with 26 points, while Keith Pickens smashed his career-best scoring effort with 19 points for Missouri State, as the Bears secured the season sweep over visting Drake, 78-72, Sunday in Missouri Valley Conference action, Sunday at JQH Arena.
Missouri State shot a season-best 56.3 percent (27-for-48) from the field, including a collective 15-for-21 (.714) shooting effort in the second half, to run its winning streak to seven straight against Drake and 21-1 all-time at home against the Bulldogs.
Just four days after Drake knocked off nationally-ranked Creighton in Des Moines behind 43 bench points, the Bulldog reserves were held to just 11 points at JQH Arena. DU finished 27-for-59 (.458) from the field, 11-for-28 (.393) from long range and 7-for-14 (.500) at the line. Mark Phelps’ club turned the ball over just 9 times.
The Bears will open the second half of the league slate at No. 17 Creighton (17-3, 6-2) on Wednesday night for a 7 p.m. start
