After a picture-perfect first eight minutes to the season, Missouri State was holding its breath towards the end of opening night.
The Bears let out a sigh of relief, escaping Western Kentucky with an 85-80 win over Western Kentucky.
MSU was at full strength to start the game when Missouri Valley Preseason Player of the Year Alize Johnson started for the Bears after nursing a knee injury for the majority of the preseason.
Missouri State jumped out to a 26-4 lead just eight minutes into the game.
Foul trouble let the Hilltoppers back in the game as Western Kentucky hit 17 of 21 free throws in the first half.