HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — A rematch of a recent nail-biter is set for Wednesday when the Liberty Flames host the Missouri State Bears in a Conference USA men’s basketball clash at T. M. Elmore Gymnasium.

The Flames (25-6), among the conference’s top teams, look to continue their strong season against a Bears squad (14-17) seeking to salvage a tough campaign and avenge a close loss from last month. Liberty edged Missouri State 79-76 on Feb. 7 in their only prior meeting this season.

Liberty enters having won three of its last four, most recently a 79-72 victory over Sam Houston on Saturday. The Flames are led by versatile guard Zach Cleveland, who is coming off a near triple-double with 19 points and nine assists in that win. Over his last five games, Cleveland is averaging 14.2 points and 6.6 assists, serving as the engine for Liberty’s efficient offense.

Missouri State, conversely, has lost seven of its last eight games, including a 75-63 defeat to Middle Tennessee on Saturday. The Bears’ bright spot has been forward Michael Osei-Bonsu, who scored 20 points in that loss and is averaging 18.1 points over his last seven contests. His scoring burst will be crucial for a team that has struggled to find consistent offense down the stretch.

The game presents a stark contrast in momentum. Liberty aims to solidify its standing heading into the conference tournament, while Missouri State hopes to snap its skid and build confidence. The Flames will rely on their balanced attack and home-court advantage, while the Bears will look to Osei-Bonsu to keep pace in what promises to be a physical Conference USA battle.

Tip-off is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2026.