The Missouri State Lady Bears bounced back to win 81-79 over the University of Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos to advance in the WNIT tonight at JQH Arena.

With four Lady Bears scoring in double-digits, playing without senior Casey Garrison, who sat out due to illness, was a non factor. Garrison held a streak of 128 consecutive starts, the third-longest nationally.

Karly Buer led with 22 points while Whitney Edie accumulated 18. Senior Lacey Boshe played in her 129th career game, tying Jackie Stiles for the MSU record.

MSU will advance to the second round of the tournament Saturday against Memphis at JQH Arena.

This marks the Lady Bears third consecutive appearance in the WNIT after being swept from the MVC Tournament.

The UMKC Kangaroos do a pregame cheer near the tunnel on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

Junior Christiana Shorter is introduced prior to the game on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

MSU senior Jasmine Malone spins around two defenders to get a good look at the hoop on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

UMKC’s Kim Nezianya acknowledges her teammates after draining a three-pointer on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

MSU senior Jasmine Malone picks off a pass at half court on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

MSU senior Lacey Boshe kicks the ball out-of-bounds on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

UMKC’s Hailey Houser was elbowed to the nose on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

The Missouri State coaching staff looks at the referee with disgust after a technical foul call on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.

The Lady Bears wave to their fans after defeating UMKC in the first round of the WNIT 81-79 on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at JQH Arena.