This story will be updated
Missouri State is starting to play more consistent defense as it came away with a 69-54 win at Southern Illinois on Wednesday night.
The low-scoring matchup saw the Bears hold the Salukis to 36.2 percent from the field.
Since the Bears lost to Northern Iowa on Jan. 12 and allowed the Panthers to shoot 51.8 percent, Missouri State hasn't allowed an opponent to shoot over 42.4 percent. The Bears are 6-1 since and are a half-game out of first place in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Missouri State (17-7, 8-3) can make a claim for first place over its next two games.