From the opening tip, the Bears protected their home court during their JQH Arena opener.
Missouri State (2-0) dominated in an 86-58 win over Southern University.
The Bears jumped out to a quick 9-0 less than three minutes into the game after a Jarrid Rhodes three with 17:04 left in the first half.
Southern was held to just 26.7 percent shooting in the first half, which ended with them trailing 49-26.
In the first half off the bench, newcomer J.T. Miller was a perfect 5-for-5 with 14 points and two 3-pointers. He finished the game with a game-high 16 points.