Missouri State turns back Northern Iowa 63-51

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) Kyle Weems had 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead Missouri State past Northern Iowa 63-51 on Saturday.

Anthony Downing scored 16 points and Jarmar Gulley matched Weems with 10 rebounds for the Bears (13-10, 6-5 Missouri Valley). Michael Bizoukas had seven assists for Missouri State.

Seth Tuttle had nine points to lead Northern Iowa (14-9, 4-7), which has dropped five of its last six games. The Panthers led 9-3 before Missouri State used a 20-4 run to take control of the game.

The Bears led 34-24 at halftime - with Weems scoring 18 of his points before the break - and enjoyed their biggest margin at 57-39 with 4:52 to play.

Updated January 28, 2012