Missouri State defeats Eastern Michigan 75-61 Eds: APNewsNow. Missouri State 75, Eastern Michigan 61.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) Caleb Patterson and Nafis Ricks scored 13 points each to lead Missouri State to a 75-61 win over Eastern Michigan on Sunday night in the final game of the Hispanic College Fund Challenge.

Missouri State (4-0) led 40-21 at halftime and by as much as 24.

A basket by Ryan Jehle put the Bears ahead 48-24 with 16:56 to go.

Eastern Michigan (2-2) then rallied to cut the lead to 55-43 on a basket by Jamell Harris with 11:57 left.

Missouri State followed with a basket by Ricks and two by Will Creekmore put to go back on top 62-43 with 9:12 left.

Kyle Weems and Creekmore finished with 11 points and Adam Leonard added 10.

Brandon Bowdry had 15 points and 11 rebounds for Eastern Michigan. Jay Higgins had 12 points and Harris added 10.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-22-09 2224CST | save this article / add to your favorites list