Springfield, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - Marcus Marshall scored a career-high 38 points, as the Missouri State Bears used a second-half surge to defeat the Eastern Illinois Panthers, 64-53, in the season opener at JQH Arena.

Marshall shot 12-of-16 from the field, including 6-of-7 from 3-point range for Missouri State (1-0) and drained all eight of his free-throw attempts. Christian Kirk came off the bench to tally eight points and six rebounds.

For EIU (0-1), Chris Oliver was the lone player in double figures with 16 points.

EIU shot slightly better from the field in the first half (.429) than did Missouri State (.391), as it took a 29-27 lead into intermission.

The Panthers continued to play the frontrunner midway through the second half, but the Bears took control by finishing the game on a 23-4 run.

Missouri State committed just nine turnovers to EIU's 14. The Bears also outscored the Panthers at the foul line, 18-5.