Missouri State was picked to finish first before the season. They finished seventh.
Missouri State was 15-5 at one point during the season. They finished 17-14.
Heading into the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, none of that matters. It's win or go home for everyone.
Missouri State plays at 8:30 p.m. Thursday against Valparaiso in the Arch Madness play-in round in St. Louis.
The Bears hope to set aside the regular season and make a run starting Thursday.
Missouri State head basketball coach Paul Lusk addresses the media Wednesday, March 1, 2018.