Missouri State cruises to 73-61 win over SE Missouri St

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — Marcus Marshall scored 21 points and Gavin Thurman added 19, including three 3-pointers, to lead Missouri State to a 73-61 win over Southeast Missouri State on Saturday night.

Missouri State (5-3) opened the second half with an 11-3 spurt that included a four-point play by Austin Ruder and a 3 by Marshall to take a 39-35 lead. Dorrian Williams sank the go-ahead layup and the Bears never again trailed.

Isiah Jones scored five-straight to pull Southeast Missouri State within four, 63-59, with 2 minutes left, but Thurman hit a 3 before Marshall and Williams combined to make 7 of 8 free throws to seal it.

Ruder finished with 16 points, hitting 5 of 6 from long range, and Camyn Boone had nine rebounds for Missouri State.

Nino Johnson led Southeast Missouri (5-5) with 13 points and seven rebounds. Antonius Cleveland added 12 points and Jones 11.