No. 16 Missouri State women's basketball triumphed over No. 16 Stephen F. Austin, winning 85-75 in the NCAA Tournament First Four. This victory marks the Lady Bears' 20th NCAA Tournament win, continuing their streak of winning in each of their last four tournament appearances. Kaemyn Bekemeier starred with 22 points and 13 rebounds, achieving her 10th double-double of the season and joining the elite group of Lady Bears to surpass 600 points in a single season.

By the Numbers
  • Missouri State improved to 23-12 on the season.
  • Kaemyn Bekemeier recorded her 15th 20-point game and 10th double-double this season.
  • Lainie Douglas registered her 7th double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
  • Maiesha Washington contributed 18 points, while Kendal Brueggen posted a career-high 9 rebounds.
State of Play
  • Missouri State held a strong lead through the third quarter, extending it to 15 points.
  • The team's defense allowed only 14 points in the final quarter, securing the win.
  • This game marks the beginning of a crucial tournament run for the Lady Bears as they prepare to face the top-seeded Texas Longhorns.
What's Next

The Lady Bears will face No. 1 Texas in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 20, at 3:00 p.m., with coverage on ESPN. This matchup presents a significant challenge as they aim to continue their tournament success against a top-ranked opponent.

Bottom Line

The Lady Bears showcased resilience and skill in their victory, setting a promising tone for the next round. Their combination of strong individual performances and effective defense will be critical as they take on Texas in the highly anticipated matchup.