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Final Score: Southern Ill 72 - Missouri State 77

Springfield, MO (Sports Network) - Jermaine Mallett posted a game-high 22 points and collected nine rebounds to lead the Missouri State Bears to a 77-72 victory over the Southern Illinois Salukis in Missouri Valley Conference action at JQH Arena.

Will Creekmore added 19 points in the win for Missouri State (17-8, 7-7 MVC), while Kyle Weems chipped in 11 points to go with five boards and five assists.

Justin Bocot scored 14 points to lead the way for Southern Illinois (13-11, 5-9), while Carlton Fay added 12 points. Gene Teague and Kevin Dillard got into the mix as well, chipping in 11 points apiece in the losing effort.

The Bears buried a blistering 62.5 percent from the floor during the opening frame and took a 41-33 lead into the break.

Southern Illinois battled back during the second stanza with a 61.9 percent effort from the floor, but a 14-of-20 performance at the foul line by the Bears locked down the five-point win.

Missouri State outrebounded the Salukis by a 31-25 margin in the win.