SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Karrington Ward scored 18 points and led his team with nine rebounds as Eastern Michigan held on to beat Missouri State 77-65 on Saturday.

Ward did it with 7-of-13 shooting from the field overall. Raven Lee added 14 points and four assists for the Eagles (9-2). Mike Talley had 10 points and Anali Okoloji had nine.

Eastern Michigan pulled ahead after a close first period on an 11-1 run highlighted by 3-pointers by Ward and Okoloji. The Eagles led 31-19 at halftime.

Missouri State battled back in the second half to trail by six, 55-49, on a Gavin Thurman 3 with 8:09 to play. But the Eagles answered with an 11-6 run to open the gap once again and lead 66-55 with 3:58 remaining and held on for the win.

Marcus Marshall scored 21 points and had six rebounds for the Bears (5-6).