Final Score: Missouri State 62, Illinois State 55

Springfield, MO (Sports Network) - Anthony Downing scored a game-high 24 points and handed out eight assists as the Missouri State Bears captured a 62-55 win over the Illinois State Redbirds in Missouri Valley Conference play at JQH Arena.

Also scoring in double figures for the Bears (5-11, 3-1 MVC), as they won their second in a row and the third in the last four games, was Marcus Marshall with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the floor.

The Redbirds (9-7, 0-4), losers of four in a row, were paced by Jackie Carmichael who registered a double-double consisting of 21 points and a game- high 12 rebounds, followed by Johnny Hill with 14 points for the visitors.

An 8-2 run to open the game gave the Bears an early lead, but the team eventually fell behind 20-17 when hill knocked down a 3-pointer for the Redbirds at the 4:51 mark. However, Missouri State responded immediately with a 13-0 run to surge ahead by double figures, taking a 32-25 advantage into the break.

In the second half Illinois State was able to whittle away the margin and make it just a two-point game with 14:20 remaining, but again the Bears responded on their way to the seven-point victory.

The hosts held Illinois State to 40.0 percent shooting from the floor, including 4-of-17 beyond the arc on the night.