(St. Louis, MO) – Are wounded Bears dangerous? Missouri State Head Coach Paul Lusk sure hopes so. Off to a surprising 12 & 4 start with a 2 & 2 record in Missouri Valley Conference play the Bears have overcome some early season difficulties.
Picked to finish fourth in the MVC, MSU has earned impressive wins over Texas A&M, Tulsa, Oral Roberts and Southeast Missouri. They have played a difficult schedule that has also included games with national champion Louisville and Virginia.
Along the line they’ve lost veteran forward Keith Pickens (St. Louis/Oakville) and today (Tuesday) they’ve lost reigning MVC Freshman of the Year Marcus Marshall to a knee injury of his own.
The time line for his return is unclear and Lusk said in a team press release that this injury is to his right knee. Earlier in the season he struggled with problems with his left knee. Team officials are hopeful that both Pickens and Marshall could return this season.
“Obviously Marcus is a big part of our program and our future, and it’s unfortunate when these things happen. But we will push forward as a team, and continue preparing for the two big road games we have ahead of us this week,” said Lusk.
Missouri State played one of its best games of the year this past weekend, losing in overtime to fifth ranked Wichita State. Wednesday they travel to Indiana State. The Sycamores have won six straight since a road loss at Saint Louis and are undefeated in league play, tied with Wichita State for the MVC lead.
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