Missouri State University

Jan. 11, 2013

SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State put together a 9-0 run midway through the first half to keep pace with No. 13 Creighton through 20 minutes of basketball at JQH Arena with the Bluejays leading 32-27 at the half.

After a dunk by Creighton's Avery Dingman at the 11:17 mark put the Missouri Valley preseason favorites ahead 14-9, Dingman was called for a technical foul for hanging on the rim. Anthony Downing made both technical shots, and the Bears tacked on seven points in a row from there over the next three minutes. A layup by Christian Kirk was followed by a 3-pointer by Tomie Aromona and a 20-footer by Keith Pickens.

Pickens has a team-high 9 points for the Bears a the break.

There were nine lead changes and two ties from there, but after a trey by Gavin Thurman pushed Missouri State ahead 25-23 with 3:45 to play, Creighton ended the half on a 9-2 run. A 3-pointer by Jahenns Manigat ended the first-half scoring for CU.

The home club is 11-for-27 (.407) from the field with 2-of-8 (.250) makes from downtown and 3-of-3 at the line.

Creighton out-rebounded the Bears 19-11 and made 12-of-26 (.462) from the field with 5-of-12 (.417) beyond the arc and 3-of-4 (.750) at the line.

The Bluejays represent the highest-rank team the Bears have ever played at home.