Lady Bears Cruise to Win in Final Tune Up for Regular Season

Wednesday, October 28

Springfield

6:30 p.m.

Missouri State University

Missouri Southern (Exh.)

October 28, 2026 | Women's Basketball

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SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State women's basketball cruised to an 87-27 victory over Missouri Southern in the team's preseason exhibition game here on Wednesday night.

All 14 Lady Bears on the roster saw playing time in the game with 12 different players scoring points in the win. Mo State was paced by JaNyla Bush, Hannah Linthacum and Macie Mays who posted 10 points each. Missouri State's defense stifled the Lions, holding the visitors to 20 percent shooting from the field and 18 percent from beyond the arc. Missouri Southern also committed 30 turnovers which led to 40 Lady Bear points.

The Lady Bears controlled the entire game and continued to increase their lead throughout each period. Mo State allowed just eight points in the opening quarter and owned a 22-point advantage at 30-8 at the end of the first quarter in the team's first appearance in front of its home crowd.

Mo State held the Lions to two field goals in the second frame as the Lady Bears increased their lead to 35 points at the intermission.

With the leading hovering around 35 points into the third period, Missouri State finished the quarter on a 17-0 run to extend its lead to 70-18 with 10 minutes to play. A second wave of Lady Bears got crucial minutes in the fourth quarter, pushing the lead to as large as 63 points before closing out the 87-27 victory.

The regular season tips off on Monday, Nov. 2 when the Lady Bears host in-state rival Southeast Missouri State at Great Southern Bank Arena. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game will stream on ESPN+.

The Lady Bears will also be recognized for last year's Conference USA Tournament championship prior to the home opener with a banner unveiling. Missouri State Athletics is offering a special home opener ticket deal to commemorate the champions – two tickets and a $25 concessions voucher for just $43.38. Fans can purchase the Lady Bears Champs Pack HERE. All single-game tickets and season tickets are available for purchase at MissouriStateBears.com.

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