Osei-Bonsu and Missouri State host Western Kentucky

Osei-Bonsu and Missouri State host Western Kentucky Missouri State hosts the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers after Michael Osei-Bonsu scored 24 points in Missouri State's 86-81 loss to the Sam Houston Bearkats By The Associated Press March 4, 2026, 4:43 AM Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (18-11, 11-7 CUSA) at Missouri State Bears (13-16, 7-11 CUSA) Springfield, Missouri; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Missouri State hosts Western Kentucky after Michael Osei-Bonsu scored 24 points in Missouri State's 86-81 loss to the Sam Houston Bearkats. The Bears have gone 10-6 in home games. Missouri State ranks fifth in the CUSA with 14.3 assists per game led by Keith Palek III averaging 3.6. The Hilltoppers have gone 11-7 against CUSA opponents. Western Kentucky is 3-2 in games decided by 3 points or fewer. Missouri State makes 44.4% of its shots from the field this season, which is 2.0 percentage points higher than Western Kentucky has allowed to its opponents (42.4%). Western Kentucky averages 5.7 more points per game (79.6) than Missouri State allows (73.9). The teams play for the second time this season in CUSA play. Western Kentucky won the last matchup 87-72 on Jan. 15. Teagan Moore scored 20 points to help lead the Hilltoppers to the victory. TOP PERFORMERS: Palek is scoring 18.1 points per game with 6.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists for the Bears. Kobi Williams is averaging 16.0 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 45.3% over the past 10 games. Popular Reads Largest US military base in Middle East hit by missile, Qatar says Mar 3, 10:02 PM Terrorism motive probed in mass shooting at Austin bar: FBI Mar 1, 9:33 PM Nancy Guthrie live updates: More than 1 suspect not ruled out, sheriff's office says Feb 21, 5:31 PM Armelo Boone is averaging 10.9 points and 6.1 rebounds for the Hilltoppers. Ryan Myers is averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Bears: 2-8, averaging 73.3 points, 29.3 rebounds, 14.1 assists, 7.2 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shoo...