MOLINE, Ill – Second-seeded Missouri State topped No. 7 Bradley by a final score of 76-68 after holding off a late spurt by the Braves in the final quarter. The Lady Bears held a seven point lead at the half and outscored Bradley by six in the third quarter and led by as many as 15 in the fourth.

Senior forward Aubrey Buckley led the Lady Bears with 18 points and eight rebounds in the win, while senior Liza Fruendt added 16 points and six boards against the Braves. 

Bradley's Shunseere Kent led the Braves with 22 points and freshman Gabi Haack added 17 points with three rebounds. 

Missouri State will take on the winner of No. 3 UNI and No. 6 Illinois State in the second semifinal tomorrow at 4 p.m.