Sam Houston State Secures 80-71 Win Over Missouri State

Sam Houston State's strong performance on the road led to an 80-71 win over Missouri State at the Great Southern Bank Arena. The Bearkats, predicted to win by a slim 0.1 margin by CHD Scout, exceeded expectations with a nine-point victory. This outcome was particularly notable given the pre-game prediction, which was correct in terms of the winner, albeit with a larger margin than anticipated.

The first half saw Sam Houston State take control, with the Bearkats leading 38-33 at halftime. Missouri State's Michael Osei-Bonsu kept his team in the game, scoring 22 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack from Sam Houston State. Jacob Walker led the Bearkats with 16 points, while Veljko Ilic and Kashie Natt contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively, to help secure the win.

In the second half, Sam Houston State continued to push the pace, outscoring Missouri State 42-38. The Bearkats' ability to maintain their lead was crucial, as Missouri State's Keith Palek III tried to rally his team with 17 points and 7 rebounds. However, the Bearkats' collective effort ultimately proved too much for the Bears.

The victory for Sam Houston State is a significant one, as it marks a quality win over a Missouri State team that, although not highly ranked, still poses a challenge. This win falls under the Quadrant 3 category for both teams, which may not greatly impact their tournament chances but still provides valuable experience and momentum.

Sam Houston State's net ranking of 99 suggests they are still in the mix for potential tournament consideration, although their position is not secure. This win helps to bolster their resume, particularly given the road victory. For Missouri State, with a net ranking of 193, the loss does not significantly harm their already slim tournament hopes but does highlight areas for improvement.

The performance of Jacob Walker and the supporting cast around him matters for Sam Houston State as they move forward. If they can maintain this level of play, they may find themselves in a more favorable position come tournament time. For now, the focus will be on building upon this win and using it as a stepping stone for future success. The Bearkats' ability to win on the road against a decent opponent like Missouri State is a reflection of their growth and potential, making them a team to watch in the coming weeks.