Recap: Missouri State vs. Bradley

Springfield, MO (Sports Network) - To close out regular season action, Christian Kirk scored 15 points to lead the Missouri State Bears over the Bradley Braves, 64-56, in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup at JQH Arena.

Kirk shot 7-of-9 from the field and pulled down six rebounds for the Bears (10-21, 7-11 MVC), who have won two of their last three games. Anthony Downing also scored 15 points while knocking down a trio of 3-pointers. Marcus Marshall and Nathan Scheer scored 11 points each while Marshall grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists.

Dyricus Simms-Edwards recorded a double-double with 12 rebounds and 10 points for Bradley (16-15, 7-11), which has lost two in a row and three of its last four. Walt Lemon Jr. and Jordan Prosser scored 13 points each while Lemon Jr. recorded a game-high five turnovers before fouling out.

Despite shooting 35.7 percent from the field in the first half, the Bears managed to carry a 31-25 lead into the break after making good on 8-of-11 shots from the free-throw line.

In the second half, Missouri State improved its shooting from the field to nearly 45.0 percent and knocked down 5-of-12 shot from 3-point range to pull away for the win.

Turnovers cost Bradley the game as the Braves recorded 15 miscues compared to just three for Missouri State which protected the ball well. That led to a 16-1 edge in points off takeaways for the Bears. Both teams will compete in the first round of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament on March 7 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.