Missouri State (15-7, 5-5 MVC) knocked down 12 3-pointers and shot 57 percent from the field to push the Bears past visiting Bradley, 74-61, Saturday in Missouri Valley Conference play.
Jarmar Gulley led all players with 19 points and 9 rebounds for the Bears who won their 13th game at JQH Arena in 14 tries. Austin Ruder added 13 points for the winning side, while Ron Mvouika scored 10.
Walt Lemon, Jr., led four Braves in double figures with 13 points, while Omari Grier knocked down four 3-pointers to finish with 12 for Bradley (9-14, 4-6).
MSU used an 11-0 run at the end of the first half and start of the second to pull away and keep the visitors at arm’s length most of the second half. All five of the game’s lead changes came in the first half before the Bears ended the first period on a 7-0 run with a free throw by Nathan Scheer, a 3-pointer by Gavin Thurman and transition trey by Gulley to make it 33-28 at the break.
