Bears Show Grit in Series Finale vs. Unbeaten Drake

Wednesday, January 27

Springfield

8:00 p.m.

Missouri State University

9-3,5-3MVC

Drake

15-0,6-0MVC

Team	1	2	F
Drake	44	34	78
Missouri St.	35	38	73

Bears Show Grit in Series Finale vs. Unbeaten Drake

January 27, 2021 | Men's Basketball

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By: MSU Athletics Communications

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SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State used a 15-0 run late in the second half to get back in the game and had the lead with just over five minutes to go. But visiting Drake (15-0, 6-0 MVC) got clutch buckets down the stretch to remain among the nation's five unbeaten DI programs with a 78-73 decision over the Bears (9-3, 5-3) here Wednesday night.

ShanQuan Hemphill scored a game-high 24 points to lead four Drake players in double figures, while Darnell Brodie snagged 14 rebounds to help the visitors secure a 42-33 rebounding advantage.

The Bulldogs led by as many as 13 in the second half, taking a 61-48 lead after a 3-pointer by D.J. Wilkins with 11:15 remaining. The Bears then embarked on their biggest run of the season, reeling off 15 unanswered points over the next five minutes to lead for the first time, 63-61, on a layup by Gaige Prim.

Prim finished with 20 points and 14 rebounds on the night for his fourth double-double in five games, while teammate Isiaih Mosley posted 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Bears, including 21 points in the second period.

After Prim's layup put MSU ahead with 6:18 to go, Drake tied it on a bucket by Hemphill and briefly retook the lead moments later on a triple by Wilkins. Just before the five-minute mark, Mosley ripped to the basket and scored on an acrobatic shot to give Missouri State a 67-66 advantage headed in the game's final stretch.

Despite three Drake baskets over the next three minutes, the Bears stayed within striking distance late. After a steal by Jared Ridder, Prim's layup in transition with 1:41 left in the contest brought MSU back within 73-71.

However, the game was decided in the final minute. Brodie's up-and-under move around the basket gave DU a four-point cushion, and Tremell Murphy's dunk and subsequent free throw with seven seconds remaining brought Drake's bench to the floor and put the game out of reach.

The Bears overcame a sluggish start to finish 20-for-56 (.357) from the field and 5-of-18 (.278) from three. MSU got the line 32 times and made 28 free throws for a season-high .875 percentage. Missouri State turned the ball over just 10 times and snagged 7 steals.

For its part, Drake was held under 50 percent for the second time in as many games (.478) on 32-of-67 shots and 4-for-15 (.267) from long range. The Bulldogs also were 10-for-13 (.769) at the line with 10 turnovers and 3 steals. Drake also cashed its 14 offensive rebounds into 15 second-chance points while registering 50 points in the paint.

The Bears continue their home stand Sunday (2 p.m.) and Monday (7 p.m.) against Loyola Chicago (12-3, 7-1) at JQH Arena. Tickets for both Loyola games are available at MissouriStateBears.com or during regular box office hours at the Old Missouri Bank Box Office at JQH Arena, (417) 836-7678.

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