Lady Bears' Season Ends in NCAA Tournament First Round

Missouri State women's basketball falls to No. 1 Texas in tournament opener

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:23am

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The No. 16 Missouri State women's basketball team (23-13) fell 87-45 to No. 1 Texas (32-3) in the First Round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, bringing their season to a close. Kaemyn Bekemeier led the Lady Bears with 14 points, while Lainie Douglas and Maiesha Washington each scored 11 points.

Why it matters

Missouri State's loss to the top-seeded Longhorns ends their 2025-26 campaign, which included the program's 18th NCAA Tournament appearance and 11th straight postseason berth. The Lady Bears won 23 games this season and claimed their 12th conference tournament title.

The details

Missouri State struggled offensively in the first half against the dominant Longhorns. However, the Lady Bears found their footing in the third quarter, posting 22 points on 69% shooting. Washington scored 10 points in the frame, while Douglas added 8. Overall, Missouri State shot 28.6% from the field and forced 19 Texas turnovers.

  • The game was played on March 20, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

The players

Kaemyn Bekemeier

Led Missouri State with 14 points and 2 steals.

Lainie Douglas

Scored 11 points and grabbed a team-high 8 rebounds for the Lady Bears.

Maiesha Washington

Capped off an impressive freshman season with 11 points and 3 rebounds.

Texas Longhorns

The No. 1 overall seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, who defeated Missouri State 87-45.

Missouri State Lady Bears

The No. 16 seed who made their 18th NCAA Tournament appearance and 11th straight postseason berth.

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The takeaway

Despite the lopsided loss, Missouri State's 2025-26 season was a success, as the Lady Bears won 23 games, claimed their 12th conference tournament title, and made their 18th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.