EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP)—Jermaine Mallett scored 17 points to lead Missouri State to a 74-60 victory over Evansville Tuesday night in the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both teams.
The Bears (11-1) broke open a close game when they went on a 23-6 run in the second half, with Kyle Weems’ basket with 4:38 to play capping the run and giving Missouri State a 69-49 lead.
Missouri State made 11 3-pointers in the game, a season high, led by Adam Leonard with three. Weems had 14 points and nine rebounds, and Caleb Patterson 12 points for the Bears, who shot 56 percent overall from outside.
Denver Holmes led Evansville (6-5) with 15 points and James Haarsma had 10 points and eight rebounds.
Updated Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009
