Missouri State clips FIU to advance to Conference USA quarterfinals

Bears erase nine-point second-half deficit to defeat Florida International 75-72

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Missouri State's inaugural Conference USA Tournament appearance is off to a strong start as the ninth-seeded Bears erased a nine-point second-half deficit to edge No. 8 seed Florida International 75-72 in the first round on Tuesday. MSU shot 53% from the field and hit 11 3-pointers, including a crucial jumper from Kobi Williams in the final two minutes, to advance to the quarterfinal round where they will face top-seeded Liberty.

Why it matters

This win marks an impressive debut for Missouri State in the Conference USA Tournament, as the Bears overcame a significant deficit against a tough FIU squad. The victory sets up an intriguing quarterfinal matchup with Liberty, which MSU nearly defeated in the regular season, and keeps the Bears' postseason hopes alive.

The details

MSU trailed for 30 minutes of the game but used a strong shooting performance, including 11 3-pointers, to rally back and secure the victory. Senior guard Keith Palek III scored seven of his 13 points in the final 4.5 minutes, while Kobi Williams, Trey Williams, and Zaxton King also reached double figures for the Bears. FIU led for much of the game thanks to 16 offensive rebounds but couldn't hold off Missouri State's late surge.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 11, 2026 in the first round of the Conference USA Tournament in Huntsville, Alabama.
  • Missouri State will face top-seeded Liberty on Wednesday, March 12, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the quarterfinal round.

The players

Keith Palek III

A 6-9 senior all-Conference USA guard for Missouri State who struggled shooting but scored seven crucial points in the final minutes to help the Bears rally.

Kobi Williams

A Missouri State player who hit a key jumper in the final two minutes to give the Bears a 72-69 lead they would not relinquish.

Trey Williams

A freshman guard for Missouri State who scored 13 points and dished out 7 assists to help lead the Bears' comeback.

Zaxton King

A sophomore guard for Missouri State who hit 4 of 5 3-pointers, including a shot that gave the Bears their first lead of the second half.

Corey Stevenson

The FIU guard who scored a game-high 24 points in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We had a lot to prove, and we did whatever we could to win, and luckily we got it done.”

— Keith Palek III (ESPN)

“I guess we were just saving them all for the postseason. It was a good time to have them. We struggled during the season at points (in 3-point shooting), but tonight we were knocking them down.”

— Keith Palek III (ESPN)

“Once we settled in the second half, we understood how to maneuver, things started to go well for us.”

— Cuonzo Martin, Missouri State Head Coach (Bears Radio Network)

What’s next

Missouri State will face top-seeded Liberty on Wednesday, March 12, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the quarterfinal round of the Conference USA Tournament.

The takeaway

This comeback win showcases Missouri State's resilience and ability to overcome adversity, as the Bears rallied from a significant deficit to defeat a tough FIU squad and advance in the Conference USA Tournament. The victory sets up an intriguing quarterfinal matchup with Liberty, which should provide an exciting test for the Bears as they continue their postseason run.