SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State shot 60 percent from the field and got 16 points from Kyle Weems to take a 38-26 lead into the intermission here in non-conference play.
The Bears (6-3) have made 15-of-25 field goals in the first 20 minutes and took less than 10 minutes to build a double-figure lead. A hook shot by Isaiah Rhine at the 10:44 mark made in an 18-8 game, and the Billikens never got closer than eightpoints the rest of the half.
Weems is 6-for-8 from the field and shares game-high rebounding honors with four, along with teammate Nafis Ricks. Will Creekmore also has 10 points for the Bears for his 14th straight double-figure scoring game.
The Billikens have seven points from Jordair Jett, including five free throws, while Dwayne Evans has contributed six. SLU (4-4) is 8-for-9 at the free throw line (.889) and 9-for-22 (.409) from the field.
The Bears own a 16-9 rebounding advantage and have just five turnovers.
