SPRINGFIELD -- The Missouri State men's and women's basketball teams kicked off homecoming 2019 Saturday morning with intrasquad scrimmages at Hammons Student Center.

The Bears battled back and forth for their 20-minute session with the Maroon side outlasting the White squad, 43-38.

"I think it went okay," said Bears head coach Dana Ford. "Obviously we're going to try and get better each day. Today could have been the first time many of these guys have played in front of a crowd, maybe under lights. And I feel like they handled themselves in a first-class way. And now we've got to get better at some things, in particular our defense. But it's better to have to get better at defense then have to manufacture points."

Freshman Isiaih Mosley led all players with 13 points and three treys to pace the Maroon team's efforts with fellow newcomer Tyrik Dixon pouring in 11. Lamont West added nine points for the winning side.

The White squad was led by Gaige Prim and Tulio Da Silva with nine points apiece with Keandre Cook and Ross Owens scoring eight.   

Ford's Bears lock up with visiting Washington University on Wednesday at 7 p.m., in the club's only preseason matchup.

The women's scrimmage was decided on a last-second layup by Mya Bhinhar who led the Lady Bears over their male scout players, 30-29, in their 20-minute clock.

Emily Gartner's six points led all players with Bhinhar, Alexa Willard, Shameka Ealy and Sydney Manning scoring four apiece.

"I think we started kind of slow, but then we picked it up," said first-year head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton "I think our biggest thing is that we've got to be consistent, have some more carry-over from practice. But I like where we are. I think it's a great start to the season."

The Lady Bears kick off a two-game preseason exhibition schedule Monday at 7 p.m. against Lincoln University before taking on Southwest Baptist on Friday (Nov. 1), also at 7 p.m.