Missouri State women’s basketball had a nerve-wracking weekend despite winning both of its games by 15 points or more, but it should be relieved after it emerged healthy and ready for a championship push.
The Lady Bears are a game behind Belmont for the Missouri Valley Conference lead. They have two must-win games this week before their season-defining five-game stretch, during which they will play all of the other teams in the top half of the conference standings.
Lacy Stokes injury update for Missouri State
The worry in the voice of Lady Bears coach Beth Cunningham on Friday was unmistakable when Lacy Stokes, her team’s star player, was getting her foot examined during halftime and most of the third quarter before she returned late in the period. When the game was over, Stokes was back with the trainers.
In her pregame radio interview before Sunday’s win over Evansville, her tone changed. She said Stokes received good news and that the injury was not long-term, describing test results as a “deep sigh of relief.” Stokes started and played 17 minutes vs. the Aces, not playing most of the second half because of a blowout victory.
Stokes’ impact on the Lady Bears goes beyond the stat sheet. She’s an Energizer bunny on the defensive end, by far the team’s best ball handler and a calming presence for a group that has looked overwhelmed at times when she’s not on the court. She’s been a winner since she wore Mount Vernon green, and the Lady Bears will go as far as she takes them.
Sarah Linthacum returns for Missouri State
Sarah Linthacum returned to the lineup after sitting one game while in concussion protocol. She’s been one of the Valley’s most efficient players, shooting 54.5% for the season.
The Lady Bears have built some frontcourt depth behind her, and that should continue to strengthen them. Although she didn’t have her best game against Evansville, shooting 3-for-13, that shouldn’t be a worry going forward, as it was a bit uncharacteristic.
Lainie Douglas turning into building block
Freshman Lainie Douglas, a 6-foot-3 forward, has developed into someone who can be considered a building block for the Lady Bears’ Conference USA future. She’s been excellent, and it adds her to a nucleus alongside Kaemyn Bekemeier and Kyrah Daniels to lead the program for the next several years.
Douglas had an strong weekend, scoring 20 and 17 points on a combined 15-for-22 shooting and 16 rebounds. It was her best weekend wearing the Lady Bears uniform, giving the team depth when Linthacum missed a game and was easing her way back.
What’s next for the Missouri State Lady Bears?
The Lady Bears need a two-win week ahead of their make-or-break portion of the schedule. They travel to Southern Illinois on Thursday night before hosting Valparaiso on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Southern Illinois has been a disaster this season, with a 4-17 record and ranking 338th out of 362 team in the NET rankings. This program won the Valley outright as recently as 2022 but has gone completely downhill since Cindy Stein retired and Kelly Bond-White was hired. The Lady Bears won their Jan. 12 matchup in Springfield 75-37.
Since joining the MVC, Valparaiso has only beaten Missouri State once, a 77-68 win in January 2023 in Indiana.
The Lady Bears will then play road games at Northern Iowa, Drake, Murray State and Belmont before returning home on March 6 to host Illinois State. They are currently one game behind Belmont in the MVC standings. The Bruins, who have won 10 straight games, will host Northern Iowa and Drake this weekend.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State women’s basketball keeps MVC title dreams alive
