The Sycamores (12-7, 4-4 MVC) turned the game in their favor with a 21-4 run that took roughly five minutes of game time and spanned both halves to build a 47-34 advantage that was too much for the Lady Bears (10-10, 2-6) to overcome.
The teams combined for five scoring runs of 7-0 or better in the first half, including the Lady Bears using a 7-0 spurt to go ahead 30-26 with 3:04 to go in the period. Kenzie Williams began the run with a 3-pointer and Missouri State seemed to grab momentum with four free throws as a result of the Sycamores picking up both a personal and technical foul on the same play, but Indiana State countered with a 13-2 run to close the half with a 39-32 advantage.
After the Lady Bears scored to begin the second period, Indiana State rattled off another 8-0 run to lead 47-34 just 2:34 into the half.
Missouri State answered with an 8-0 run of its own that included two Williams steals that led to baskets 21 seconds apart, and added three more steals over the next four minutes that culminated with a NiJay Gaines layup that got MSU within a point at 53-52 with 10:03 to play.
Hannah Wilkerson’s jumper with 6:18 remaining tied the game at 56-apiece, but the visitors fired back with a 3-pointer to lead 63-58 with exactly four minutes remaining.
The Lady Bears were within two points with 2:47 left and again with 52.3 seconds on the clock when Karly Buer knocked down an elbow jumper. The teams exchanged turnovers over the next 16 seconds and the Sycamores hit two free throws before Tyonna Snow made a pair of foul shots for the Lady Bears after a trio of missed 3-pointers with eight seconds remaining. Indiana State then hit two more free throws with 7.2 seconds on the clock to secure the win.
The Sycamores shot 50 percent for the game and out-rebounded Missouri State 39-26. The Lady Bears shot 41.8 percent overall and forced 24 ISU turnovers. Whitney Edie led MSU with 19 points and seven rebounds. Snow added 11 points and four steals, and Gaines scored a career-high nine points. Anna Munn scored 27 for the Sycamores.
Missouri State returns to action Sunday at 2:05 p.m. against Illinois State (13-7, 5-3). The Redbirds lost 66-54 at Wichita State Friday. Upper bowl tickets to the game are available for $5 as M
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