SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) Kobi Williams had 20 points to help Missouri State Bears cruise past UTEP 79-55 on Friday night.

Williams shot 4 of 11 from the field, including 3 for 7 from 3-point range, and went 9 for 10 from the free-throw line for the Bears (8-5, 2-0 Conference USA). Trey Williams Jr. hit four 3-pointers and scored 15, while Keith Palek III added 13 points.

Elijah Jones finished with 12 points for the Miners (4-9, 0-2). Trey Horton had 12 points and Jamal West scored 11.

Missouri State took the lead with 19:39 remaining in the first half and did not trail again. Palek led with 12 points in the first half to help put them up 49-23 at the break.

---

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.