The Missouri State Bears were not necessarily completely thrilled to be participating in the NIT rather than the NCAA Tournament.
But that didn't matter to Cuonzo Martin's team as they took the floor in the first round of the NIT Tournament on Tuesday night.
With 4 seniors in the starting lineup, the Bears played as if Tuesday could be their last game, exploding for 89 points in a 13 point victory over the visiting Missouri State Racers.
The 89 points the Bears scored were the second most on the season.
Jermaine Mallet, who was the MVP of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament despite the Bears defeat in the championship game, contributed 23 points and 6 rebounds in what could be his last game at JQH Arena.
Coach Martin found it refreshing to play a different team. It allowed the Bears to show they could play a different style than the Valley's grueling, punishing defensive brand of basketball.
"The Valley play is a grinding, physical league. It's good for our guys who shoot and slash. We let Ricks attack. We told him to put his head down and get to the lane," Martin said.
Ricks, another senior, scored 12 points. Kyle Weems added 14 while center Will Creekmore added 13 points and 4 rebounds.
The Bears will advance to next round of the NIT Tournament where they will travel to Miami, Florida to take on the Miami Hurricanes out of the ACC.
Sources:
But that didn't matter to Cuonzo Martin's team as they took the floor in the first round of the NIT Tournament on Tuesday night.
With 4 seniors in the starting lineup, the Bears played as if Tuesday could be their last game, exploding for 89 points in a 13 point victory over the visiting Missouri State Racers.
The 89 points the Bears scored were the second most on the season.
Jermaine Mallet, who was the MVP of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament despite the Bears defeat in the championship game, contributed 23 points and 6 rebounds in what could be his last game at JQH Arena.
Coach Martin found it refreshing to play a different team. It allowed the Bears to show they could play a different style than the Valley's grueling, punishing defensive brand of basketball.
"The Valley play is a grinding, physical league. It's good for our guys who shoot and slash. We let Ricks attack. We told him to put his head down and get to the lane," Martin said.
Ricks, another senior, scored 12 points. Kyle Weems added 14 while center Will Creekmore added 13 points and 4 rebounds.
The Bears will advance to next round of the NIT Tournament where they will travel to Miami, Florida to take on the Miami Hurricanes out of the ACC.
Sources:
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