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Bears pull out win thanks to late leadership

Leadership — or a lack thereof — was head coach Dana Ford’s reason for the Bears’ success tonight. But it was also a reason for their shortcomings.

In the 71-69 win over Murray State, the Missouri State men’s basketball team lacked leadership early on.

A familiar starting four returned for the Bears, but one change stuck out: the removal of senior forward Kabir Mohammed. Freshman Ja’Monta Black earned his first start in maroon while seniors Lamont West, Tulio Da Silva, Keandre Cook and redshirt junior Tyrik Dixon remained as the same starters.

“That was a coach’s decision,” Ford said about Mohammed’s lack of minutes.