HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — Missouri State avenged a regular-season loss by defeating Liberty 77-69 in a Conference USA tournament men’s basketball game Wednesday at T. M. Elmore Gymnasium.

The Bears, who lost to the Flames by three points last month, used a strong second half to overcome a four-point halftime deficit. Liberty led 37-33 at the break, but Missouri State outscored the Flames 44-32 after intermission.

The upset came despite Liberty entering as a significant pregame favorite and finishing the season 25-7. Missouri State improved to 16-17. Attendance was 3,233.