SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Austin Ruder led a balanced offense with 15 points as Missouri State took down Indiana State 77-66 on Saturday.
Missouri State (18-10, 8-8 Missouri Valley) used a 13-0 run in the first half to open a 29-14 lead en route to a 37-26 halftime advantage.
Indiana State (21-7, 12-4) cut the deficit to 51-50 in the second half when Khristian Smith made a 3 with 7:12 left. The Bears responded with an 8-2 run, including two 3-pointers from Ruder, and the Sycamores were unable to cut the lead to fewer than five the rest of the way.
Jarmar Gulley added 14 points and nine rebounds for the Bears, reaching double figures for the 14th consecutive game. Ron Mvouika added 12 points while Keith Pickens had 10.
Jake Odum, playing in his school record 128th career game, led Indiana State with 14 points. Dawon Cummings added 12 points.
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