SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Interstat) — Missouri State used a dominant first half to cruise past UTEP 79-55 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Friday at JQH Arena.

The Bears built a commanding 49-23 halftime lead and never looked back, improving to 8-5. The Miners fell to 4-9.

Kobi Williams led Missouri State with 20 points. Trey Williams added 15 points, and Keith Palek contributed 13 points and five rebounds. Jamal West paced UTEP with 11 points.

An announced crowd of 1,846 watched the Bears control the game throughout, shooting efficiently while holding UTEP to just 23 first-half points. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Conference USA play on Jan. 24 in El Paso.