The Missouri State Lady Bears women's basketball team secured a spot in the inaugural Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament, marking their ninth consecutive appearance in a postseason tournament. They will face Illinois in the first round, with a historical 1-2 record against the Fighting Illini.

The Big Picture

The Lady Bears are coming off a close loss in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship game, with standout performances from Lacy Stokes and Indya Green earning them spots on the MVC All-Tournament team.

By the Numbers
  • Stokes averaged 18.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 steals per game in the tournament.
  • Green averaged a double-double with 15.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.
  • MSU has achieved seven consecutive 20-win seasons under different head coaches.
  • Kennedy Taylor contributed 10.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game this season.
Yes, But

While the Lady Bears have a strong record when scoring and defending, they have faced challenges in close games, with a 7-2 record in games decided by five points or less.

State of Play
  • Missouri State is 18-3 when winning the rebound battle this season.
  • They hold a 20-2 record when recording more assists than their opponents.
What's Next

The Lady Bears will look to continue their successful streak in postseason play against Illinois, aiming to advance in the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament.

Bottom Line

Missouri State Lady Bears are gearing up for the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament after a strong regular season performance, led by key players like Lacy Stokes and Kennedy Taylor, showcasing their resilience and potential for success in postseason play.