Jarmar Gulley scored 24 points, and Austin Ruder added 12 for Missouri State, but the Bears (17-10, 7-8 MVC) couldn’t overcome a season-high 21 turnovers in a 67-63 loss at Illinois State Tuesday. MSU battled back from a 13-point halftime deficit to take their first lead of the second half at the 9:44 mark only to have ISU come right back for the next four points to take a 49-46 lead.
Ruder hit a pair of go-ahead 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions, the last, made it a 58-56 contest with just 4:52 remaining. But with Illinois State in the double bonus, the Redbirds took advantage with seven free throws as part of a pivotal 9-0 run over a four-minute span.
The Bears will return home to JQH Arena for their next two games, starting at noon on Saturday with a nationally-televised game against Indiana State (20-6, 11-3 MVC) on ESPNU.
