LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) Keith Palek III's 26 points helped Missouri State Bears defeat New Mexico State 84-75 on Thursday night.

Palek added six rebounds for the Bears (11-8, 5-3 Conference USA). Michael Osei-Bonsu scored 21 points and added nine rebounds. Kobi Williams shot 5 for 10, including 3 for 7 from beyond the arc to finish with 13 points.

Jemel Jones finished with 28 points for the Aggies (10-8, 3-5). Julius Mims added 17 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Jae'Coby Osborne also had 11 points.

Missouri State took a 23-6 lead in the first half with a 20-2 run. Led by nine first-half points from Palek, Missouri State carried a 33-31 lead into the break. Missouri State took the lead for good with 6:38 remaining in the second half on a layup from Tyrique Brooks to make it 66-64.

---

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Copyright 2026 STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.