Nov. 15, 2011
Final Stats I Final Stats (PDF)
JONESBORO, Ark. - Missouri State had four players score in double figures and forced 19 Arkansas State turnovers to turn back the Red Wolves here Tuesday, 77-46, before a small drawing of 2,353 at the Convocation Center.
The Bears got 15 points off the bench from Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week Anthony Downing behind three three-pointers, while Caleb Patterson scored 14 and helped MSU to a 34-12 advantage in points in the paint. Kyle Weems (10) and Michael Bizoukas (11) were also in double figures for MSU (2-0). It was just the third career double-figure scoring effort for the senior Bizoukas, a transfer from DePaul.
After Arkansas State (0-2) cut into a 15-point halftime deficit with a 7-2 run to start the second half, the visitors responded with a 10-2 run of their own and never looked back. Bizoukas and Nathan Scheer hit key three-pointers during that stretch and helped the Bears push ahead 48-30 at the 13:11 mark.
MSU's biggest lead of the night came on a last-second layup by walk-on Tomie Aromona to make the final margin of 31.
MSU was led on the boards by Weems and Bizoukas with six rebounds apiece. Bizoukas also had a game-high 5 assists.
A-State, the preseason favorite in the Sun Belt West Division, was led by Malcoln Kirkland with 14 points and Trey Finn with 13.
The Bears' bench outscored the ASU reserves by a 31-6 margin and MSU out-rebounded the home club by a 41-36 margin.
Missouri State's 36-21 halftime lead was paced by eight first-half points from Patterson and Bizoukas, while the Bears have out-rebounded the Red Wolves by a 25-18 margin.
The Bears, who never trailed in the contest, hopped out to a 12-5 lead in the first five minutes after a three-pointer by Bizoukas in transition.
Arkansas State climbed back within 20-16 at the 9:34 mark, the Bears responded with a 12-0 outburst over the next four minutes to regain a double-figure advantage, 32-16.
It was MSU's ninth straight win in the series against the Red Wolves.
The Bears will play their 2011-12 home opener Saturday at 7:05 p.m. when they welcome Emporia State. MSU will recognize the 2010-11 MVC champions with a pregame ring and banner ceremony at JQH Arena.
