The third time was the charm for the Evansville Purple Aces as they sent the Bears packing after only one game of the State Farm Missouri Valley Tournament, losing 72-64.
“Definitely not a good feeling losing to a team three times,” senior Kyle Weems said.
Evansville controlled momentum throughout the entire game, while the Bears only led one time before playing catchup until time expired.
Senior Kyle Weems played his final MVC Tournament like his usual self, scoring 23 points for his 21st career 20-point game.
MSU closed their season with five straight losses giving them a 16-16 record and a 9-9 regular season conference record to earn the sixth seed in the tournament.
The Bears will now wait for postseason tournament announcements for the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) and College Basketball Invitational (CBI) to determine if they will continue play.
Fans fill the arena prior during a Missouri Valley Conference tournament game between Indiana State and Creighton on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
The Missouri State Bears line up for the national anthem during a Missouri Valley Conference tournament game between Evansville and Missouri State on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Anthony Downing pumps up his team prior to a Missouri Valley Conference tournament game between Evansville and Missouri State on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Jamar Gulley grabs a rebound during a Missouri Valley Conference tournament game between Evansville and Missouri State on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Kyle Weems drives the ball to the hoop during a Missouri Valley Conference tournament game between Evansville and Missouri State on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Troy Taylor shoots a basket during a Missouri Valley Conference tournament game between Evansville and Missouri State on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
An MSU fan complain to the referees about foul calls during a Missouri Valley Conference tournament game between Evansville and Missouri State on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Kenneth Harris steals the ball from Kyle Weems during a Missouri Valley Conference tournament game between Evansville and Missouri State on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Troy Taylor shoots a basket past Caleb Patterson during a Missouri Valley Conference tournament game between Evansville and Missouri State on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
MSU head coach Paul Lusk shows his frustration to his bench players during a Missouri Valley Conference tournament game between Evansville and Missouri State on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Kenneth Harris flips the ball up over Nathan Scheer during a Missouri Valley Conference tournament game between Evansville and Missouri State on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Michael Bizoukas grabs a lose ball during a Missouri Valley Conference tournament game between Evansville and Missouri State on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Nathan Scheer reacts after fouling out and losing the game on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
