SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -Will Creekmore scored 20 points to lead Missouri State to a 76-66 victory over Evansville on Wednesday night.

Jermaine Mallett added 14 points and Nafis Ricks had 12 for the Bears (15-6, 5-5 Missouri Valley), who improved to 11-1 at home.

Troy Taylor scored 12 points to lead the Purple Aces (6-16, 0-10), who have lost 11 straight. Colt Ryan and Denver Holmes each had 11 points.

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A basket by Ryan early in the second half narrowed Missouri State's lead to 34-31, but the Bears responded with an 11-4 run for a 45-35 lead with 12:14 to play.

Evansville later pulled to within 63-58 with 3:20 remaining, but Creekmore scored the next five points to help secure the victory.

Missouri State led 32-29 at halftime.