Missouri State (12-6, 2-4 MVC) got a career-high 28 points from junior Ron Mvouika and shot 59.3 percent from the field in a narrow 94-89 road loss to Northern Iowa Saturday afternoon in Missouri Valley Conference play. Mvouika’s 6-for-6 effort from 3-point range was a Bears’ single-game record, helping him finish 10-for-13 from the field overall.
The Bears’ team field goal percentage was a McLeod Center record by a visiting team, previously set by Texas Southern at 57.8 percent. However, UNI (10-8, 4-2) shot a remarkable 67.4 percent from the field and got 26 points from Nate Buss and 21 from Seth Tuttle to remain unbeaten at home this season and ruin MSU’s comeback efforts.
The Bears dropped in a season-high 12 3-pointers, including seven in the second half. Jarmar Gulley added 16 points, while Tyler McCullough scored a career-high 13, and Austin Ruder scored 11.
Missouri State returns to JQH Arena on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. to welcome Evansville as part of a two-game home stand.