SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Interstat) — Tyler Houser scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds Saturday as Delaware built a large early lead and held off Missouri State for a 76-67 Conference USA men’s basketball victory at JQH Arena.

The Blue Hens (9-16) dominated the first half, leading 35-25 at intermission. The Bears (13-12) mounted a second-half charge, outscoring Delaware 42-41, but could not overcome the deficit.

Justyn Fernandez added 23 points for Delaware. Kobi Williams led Missouri State with 25 points. The Bears had entered the game as 7.5-point favorites. Attendance was 2,157.