TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State had two opportunities to force overtime Sunday afternoon at the Hulman Center but neither would catch the bottom of the net as the Sycamores fell to Missouri State, 49-46.
 
Trailing by three to the Bears (10-10, 6-3 MVC) with just over 10 seconds remaining, senior Rhagen Smith got an open look at three from the corner but it fell short and was secured by MSU's Liza Frudendt who was then fouled.
 
Frudendt went on to miss both free throws and the Sycamores (10-10, 4-5 MVC) ran down the court where freshman guard Ashli O'Neal made a heave at the rim that was just off the mark.
 
The loss marks the second consecutive game in which Indiana State led at the halftime break and lost. After outscoring Missouri State in the first and third quarters, the Bears won both the second and fourth quarters by wide margins. The Sycamores were held to five points in the fourth while the visitors scored 16.
 
Brisbane, Australia native Ashley Taia led the Sycamores with 15 points including seven boards and four assists. Wendi Bibbins scored five points in the first three minutes but was held at bay for the remainder of the game. The junior finished with 12 rebounds, including three on the offensive glass.
 
Freshman Maryam Wilcher played one of her best games in a Sycamore uniform, draining a pair of triples in the contest. The Berywn, Illinois native scored all eight points for Indiana State in the second quarter.
 
Indiana State struggled late on the offensive glass, allowing the Bears to get several second chance looks at the basket. MSU turned 16 offensive rebounds into 14 points. ISU didn't do itself any favors in the turnover game with 24 miscues which the Bears scored 22 points on.
 
The Sycamores return to the road next weekend with trips to Illinois State and Bradley.
 
For the latest information on the Sycamore Women's Basketball team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.