SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) Marcus Marshall poured in a game high 38 points on 12-of-16 shooting from the field to lead Missouri State to an opening night win over Eastern Illinois, 64-53 on Friday.
Marshall also hit six of his seven 3-point attempts, and finished a perfect eight for eight at the free throw line. Christian Kirk added eight points and a team leading six rebounds for the Bears, who opened the season in mid-season form offensively, shooting 46 percent from the field and 50 percent from three.
Chris Oliver led Eastern Illinois with 16 points. Cornell Johnston, Josh Piper, and Trae Anderson each added six.
Eastern Illinois held a 29-27 lead at halftime and a 49-40 lead with 11 minutes left, but Missouri State rallied, closing the game on a 24-4 run.
