Bears Top Jax State, Regain Control of 2nd Place in CUSA

Missouri State earns key conference win at home over Jacksonville State

Feb. 1, 2026 at 2:15am

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The Missouri State Bears defeated the Jacksonville State Gamecocks 74-67 in a key Conference USA matchup. All five Missouri State starters scored in double figures, led by Keith Palek III's 18 points and 6 assists. The Bears led for most of the game and held off a late Gamecocks comeback attempt to secure the victory and regain control of second place in the conference standings.

Why it matters

This win keeps the Bears in the hunt for a top spot in the Conference USA standings, which could help their chances of making the NCAA Tournament. The game was also an important home conference victory for Missouri State, who are looking to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The details

Missouri State led for nearly 37 minutes of the game, but saw their advantage dwindle to just one point late in the second half. However, key baskets from Antwan Burnett and Kobi Williams down the stretch allowed the Bears to pull away and secure the 74-67 victory. The Bears shot 46.6% from the field and outscored Jacksonville State 21-18 in points off turnovers.

  • The game was played on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Keith Palek III

The Missouri State point guard led all players with 18 points and 6 assists.

Antwan Burnett

The Bears forward scored 11 points, including a key 3-point play in the final minutes to help seal the victory.

Kobi Williams

The Missouri State guard scored 13 points, including a clutch 3-pointer late in the game to extend the Bears' lead.

Jacoby Hill

The Jacksonville State guard led the Gamecocks with 16 points in the losing effort.

Iaroslav Niagu

The Jacksonville State forward contributed 13 points for the Gamecocks.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This game was an important conference win for the Missouri State Bears, who are now in strong position to make a push for the top of the Conference USA standings and a potential NCAA Tournament berth. The team's balanced scoring attack and ability to hold off a late Gamecocks comeback attempt showed their resilience and determination to succeed this season.