Missouri State Women's Basketball Wins Conference USA Tournament

Bekemeier and Douglas lead the Bears to a 43-38 victory over Louisiana Tech

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:38am

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The Missouri State women's basketball team defeated Louisiana Tech 43-38 in the Conference USA Tournament championship game on Saturday. Kaemyn Bekemeier scored 16 points and Lainie Douglas recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead the sixth-seeded Bears to the victory. Missouri State's defense held Louisiana Tech to just 12 points in the second half.

Why it matters

This championship win for Missouri State is a significant accomplishment, as the Bears were the sixth seed entering the tournament. The team's strong defensive performance in the second half was crucial in securing the victory over Louisiana Tech.

The details

Missouri State's Kaemyn Bekemeier scored a team-high 16 points, while teammate Lainie Douglas recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. The Bears' defense held Louisiana Tech to just 12 points in the second half, allowing Missouri State to pull out the 43-38 win in the Conference USA Tournament final.

  • The championship game was played on Saturday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Kaemyn Bekemeier

A player for the Missouri State women's basketball team who scored 16 points in the Conference USA Tournament championship game.

Lainie Douglas

A player for the Missouri State women's basketball team who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds in the Conference USA Tournament championship game.

Missouri State

The women's basketball team that won the Conference USA Tournament championship game.

Louisiana Tech

The opponent that Missouri State defeated 43-38 in the Conference USA Tournament championship game.

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The takeaway

Missouri State's championship win in the Conference USA Tournament is a testament to the team's strong defensive performance and the standout efforts of players like Bekemeier and Douglas. The Bears' ability to shut down Louisiana Tech in the second half was crucial in securing the victory.