TULSA, Okla. — The last time Missouri State lost to Oral Roberts was just two years ago when the Bears were last picked to win the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Paul Lusk-led Bears went into the game with a 9-2 record against a much easier schedule than the one MSU has played this season. ORU entered the game 2-9 and handed the Bears a 73-66 loss that showed some signs of what was to come. MSU finished that season with the worst Valley finish for a team that was picked to win the league.
More: Missouri State ends non-conference play with loss at Oral Roberts
Two years later, Missouri State returned to the Mabee Center and gave another uninspiring performance right before it enters conference play — in yet another season it is picked to win the league.