Sam Houston outsprints Bears down the stretch in wild finish

Bearkats score 15-7 run in final 5 minutes to defeat Missouri State 80-71

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:15pm

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In a close Conference USA matchup, visiting Sam Houston University outscored Missouri State University 15-7 down the stretch to earn an 80-71 victory. Jacob Walker led four Bearkats in double figures with 16 points, including 10 in the final seven minutes. Missouri State's Michael Osei-Bonsu had a game-high 22 points, but the Bears were unable to overcome Sam Houston's late surge.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the competitiveness of the Conference USA race, with both teams now 6-4 in league play at the midway point of the season. Missouri State had won six straight at home coming into the game, but were unable to hold off the Bearkats' late charge.

The details

After Missouri State's Keith Palek III hit a 3-pointer to make it a one-point game with 5:36 left, Sam Houston went on a 15-7 run to close out the victory. Jacob Walker scored 10 of his 16 points in the final seven minutes to lead the Bearkats' late surge. Missouri State struggled offensively down the stretch, converting just two of their final seven field goal attempts.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
  • Missouri State trailed 38-33 at halftime.
  • Palek's 3-pointer made it a 65-64 game with 5:36 remaining.
  • Sam Houston went on a 15-7 run over the final 5:36 to seal the victory.
  • The final score was Sam Houston 80, Missouri State 71.

The players

Jacob Walker

Led four Bearkats in double figures with 16 points, including 10 in the final seven minutes.

Michael Osei-Bonsu

Led all players with 22 points for Missouri State, converting 8-of-14 field goals and 6-of-7 free throws.

Keith Palek III

Scored 17 points and grabbed 7 rebounds for Missouri State, eclipsing 1,500 career points.

Cuonzo Martin

Missouri State's head coach, who said the team "had opportunities to win the game" but needed to "defend off the dribble and play with a level of toughness down the stretch."

Veljko Illic

Scored 14 points for the visiting Bearkats.

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What they’re saying

“We had opportunities to win the game. But we have to be able to defend off the dribble and play with a level of toughness down the stretch.”

— Cuonzo Martin, Missouri State head coach

What’s next

Missouri State will look to bounce back on Saturday when they host Jacksonville State in a 2 p.m. matchup at Great Southern Bank Arena.

The takeaway

This game showcased the competitiveness of the Conference USA race, with both teams now 6-4 in league play at the midway point. Missouri State's inability to close out the game at home against a tough Sam Houston squad will be an area of focus as they aim to secure a high seed for the conference tournament.