Box Score | Photo Gallery | Tournament Central 
 
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – No. 6 Missouri State (21-12, 11-7 CUSA) advances to the championship final, knocking off No. 2 FIU (20-11, 11-7 CUSA) 74-69 in the semifinal round of the 2026 Air National Guard CUSA Championship Friday night at Propst Arena at the Von Braun Center.
 
Missouri State shot 51 percent from the field, while holding FIU to 36.9 percent. Kaemyn Bekemeier nearly recorded a triple-double with 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Lainie Douglas posted 17 points shooting 7-10 from the field along with six rebounds. Kendall Brueggen and JaNyla Bush also chipped in 12 points a piece.
 
The Lady Bears will make their first CUSA title game appearance in Missouri State’s inaugural season in Conference USA. Mo State is the first 6-seed to advance to the title game since UAB in 2013.
 
Missouri State will face off against No. 1 LA Tech at 4:30 p.m. CT Saturday on CBSSN.
 
Missouri State Head Coach Beth Cunningham
Opening Statement…
“Yeah, just really, really proud of our kids. It's always really, really hard to beat a team three times. You know, there was the first conference game of the year, we played them recently, and you know, I don't care how good or bad a team is, it's really hard to beat a team three times. Just proud of our kids sticking with it. Certainly wasn't pretty at times. The bottom line is, it's March, and we found a way to win and showed a lot of grit and a lot of toughness. Give FIU credit, they've had a tremendous year. They made things really difficult for us, but I’m really excited for our kids.”
 
Missouri State Guard Kaemyn Bekemeier
On success in year one in CUSA…
“Yeah, I mean, it's definitely our goal. It's on board, to be able to go home with [a championship] in our first year in Conference USA. I know it means a lot to me to be able to be in the title game, but just soaking in this moment. Going to soak in tomorrow. We’ll be excited tonight but turn around and put on a championship performance.”
 
 
FIU Head Coach Jesyka Burks-Wiley
Opening Statement…
“Obviously a tough loss to say the least, but still incredibly proud of our program. I think what we accomplished this year, in multiple facets was, to say the least, a historical year. Tough loss, to say the least, but I'm very proud of our kids. I thought they battled. I think we gave a couple situations away, but to still give yourself a chance like that at the end, I think that's a testament to the grit and fight that our kids have, and the direction that we've been headed all season. So, tough one, but still very, very proud of our kids.”