Springfield Standard

Missouri State University's women's basketball team began their 2025-26 season with a late comeback to secure a 70-66 win over Saint Louis University at Great Southern Bank Arena on Monday night.

The Lady Bears entered the final minute trailing by three points. Junior Kaemyn Bekemeier made a key play, driving to the basket for a scoop shot and drawing a foul. She converted the ensuing free throw to tie the game at 66 with 50 seconds left. "Driving near the basket, she let a scoop shot fly and was fouled in the process as everyone watched the ball sail through the basket for an and-1 opportunity. Bekemeier made her shot at the charity stripe to tie the game at 66-66 with 50 seconds remaining."

Following this, transfer Maycee James recorded an important steal on Saint Louis' next possession and was fouled as she moved down the sideline. James then made three of four free throws in the closing moments. Cady Pauley added another point from the line with ten seconds remaining, giving Missouri State a decisive four-point lead.

Earlier in the fourth quarter, Missouri State had held their largest lead of eight points before Saint Louis responded with a 12-1 run that put them ahead by three.

The first half saw both teams closely matched, with Missouri State having an edge in free throw shooting—making six out of ten attempts compared to Saint Louis' one out of seven.

Missouri State's best performance came in the third quarter when they shot over fifty percent from both field goals and three-point range. Bekemeier started off strong after halftime, scoring four quick points. Freshman Maiesha Washington contributed eight of her thirteen points during this period, while fellow freshmen Kendal Brueggen and Audrey Hopkins combined for eight more to help establish Missouri State’s largest lead heading into the final quarter.

Bekemeier finished as top scorer with a career-high 23 points and nine rebounds in her first start. Washington and Lainie Douglas also reached double figures with thirteen and eleven points respectively. The Lady Bears ended up plus-13 on rebounds and forced fifteen turnovers.

Missouri State will play their next game away against UT Arlington on Friday, November 7, at 6:30 p.m., which will be available for streaming on ESPN+.