What it will take for Bears to make a big move up

It may sound like a broken record, but next season is the one that needs to show results from the Missouri State men’s basketball team.

All the pieces appear to be in place for coach Paul Lusk and the Missouri State Bears to make a move up next season.

(Photo: NEWS-LEADER FILE PHOTO)

For the first time since the Marcus Marshall fiasco from two seasons ago, there is reason for optimism — and reason to expect some real growth — out of the Bears.

After a 13-19 season ended with a quarterfinal loss to Evansville in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, there are pieces in place that could translate into a top-four finish in the league next season. Yeah, that last sentence says top-four finish.

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