CEDAR FALL, Iowa - The Missouri State University Bears opened Missouri Valley Conference play with a 68-64 win over the University of Northern Iowa Panthers on Wednesday night in the McLeod Center.
The Bears ran out to a 24-point lead at 32-8 with 6:45 left in the first half. UNI cut the lead to two at two times in the final minute of the game, but could not equalize the contest.
Missouri State (10-4 overall, 1-0 MVC) drained nine first-half three-pointers and led 39-22 at the break. UNI shot only 32 percent from the field in the opening half and was 2-of-9 from three-point land.