Box Score

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Offensive rebounding and 34 points off the bench helped the Missouri State University Bears to an 87-63 win over EKU Saturday at JQH Arena.
 
The Bears pulled down 19 offensive rebounds and tallied 22 second chance points in the win. Missouri State outrebounded the Colonels 47-35.
 
Eastern Kentucky opened the contest on a 6-0 run, converting on its opening three possessions. Michaela Hunter gave the Colonels a 2-0 lead and Shameekia Murray added back-to-back scores putting the Colonels up six.
 
The Bears, however, answered with five unanswered pulling within one, 6-5.
 
Trailing 15-11, Missouri State's Hillary Chvatal connected on a jumper at the 4:35 mark, sparking a 10-0 run for the Bears. Minutes later, a three-pointer from Lexi Hughes gave the Bears a 17-15 lead—their first of the game. Missouri State would never trail the remainder of the contest.  
 
The Bears carried a 43-31 lead into the locker room. The Colonels scored the first four points of the second half, cutting the lead to eight. Eastern was unable narrow the lead to less than eight during the second half, dropping just its second game of the season.
 
Murray led the Colonels with 17 points on 7-for-12 shooting, along with four rebounds and three assists. O'Bannon chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds.
 
Tyonna Snow paced the Bears with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
 
The Colonels return to McBrayer Arena on Dec.13 as they take on Wright State. Sunday's game is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.