Nov. 30, 2011
TULSA, Okla. - A slow first half has the Missouri State Bears in a 36-22 hole at the half here against home standing Oral Roberts University in non-conference play.
MSU, which matched the Golden Eagles punch for punch in the first seven minutes, taking an 11-9 lead on a layup by Christian Kirk at the 13:34 mark.
However, from there, ORU reeled off 13 straight points over the next five-and-a-half minutes to build 22-11 advantage at the eight-minute mark.
The Bears fought back within six on a Kyle Weems three-pointer with just over seven minutes to play in the half, but Warren Niles responded with 10 points in the span of less than four minutes to put the home club up by double digits at the intermission.
Weems' six points leads the Bears, while Caleb Patterson has four points. The Bears have committed an uncharacteristic nine turnovers in the first 20 minutes, shot 36.4 percent (8-for-22) and made just 3-of-6 free throws (.500). MSU was also out-rebounded 17-12.
ORU, which has reeled off four straight wins since an 0-2 start, was led by Niles with 12 points. The Golden Eagles were 14-for-28 (.500) from the field and 4-of-8 from three-point range.
