Alize Johnson was held to just four points in the first half on Wednesday night at JQH Arena, but that wasn't going to keep him down.
Missouri State's superstar scored 20 points in the second half to lead the Bears to a 64-54 win over Valparaiso.
A sloppy first half saw its fair share of runs by both teams.
The Bears jumped out to an early 4-2 lead after an Obediah Church dunk and a Reggie Scurry jumper.
Valparaiso responded by going on an 11-0 run sparked by a Derrik Smits layup.
After the Bears held the Crusaders to 34.