Preview: Missouri State Bears at Delaware Blue Hens NEWARK, Del. (Interstat) — The Missouri State Bears look to build momentum entering Conference USA play when they visit the struggling Delaware Blue Hens on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at the Bob Carpenter Center. Missouri State (6-5) arrives having won two straight, including a 70-65 home victory over Lindenwood on Dec. 23. The Bears have shown offensive firepower, scoring 92 points in a late-November win, but have also been held under 60 points in two of their five losses. A key performer for the Bears is Michael Osei-Bonsu, who is coming off a strong 19-point, six-rebound effort against Lindenwood. His production will be vital against a Delaware defense allowing an average of 72.5 points per game. Delaware (4-7) snapped a three-game skid with a 65-57 home win over Rider on Dec. 16. The Blue Hens have struggled for consistency, following a 13-point win at George Washington with a 22-point loss to Cal State Northridge. The Blue Hens will rely on guard Macon Emory, who scored 17 points in the win over Rider and is a focal point of their offense, having logged over 36 minutes in three of his last five contests. This non-conference matchup serves as a final tune-up for both teams before their Conference USA schedules begin in January. Missouri State will look to improve its record on the road, where it is 1-3 this season. Delaware seeks to gain confidence and protect its home court, where it has a 3-3 mark. The game tips off at 7 p.m. EST Monday. Missouri State opens CUSA play at home against UTEP on Jan. 2. Delaware begins its conference slate at home against Jacksonville State on the same date.