It had been 4,990 days since Cuonzo Martin led Missouri State basketball to a win at Great Southern Bank Arena, beating Murray State in the first round of the 2011 NIT a few weeks after capturing the school's lone Missouri Valley Conference title.

In Missouri State's home opener, Martin got his long-awaited victory since departing for 13 years and returning by leading the Bears to a 90-61 win over Division II Missouri Southern (0-3).

It wasn't the prettiest at times. The Bears (1-1) didn't look like the championship-worthy team he coached 11 years ago. Martin has pieces to work with while leaving plenty of room for improvement.

Missouri State pulled away in the final five minutes of the first half, taking a double-digit lead before cruising in the second half. The Bears will host Tulsa on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Missouri State basketball guard Dez White continues to impress

The Bears' sophomore transfer guard from Austin Peay continued to look like a player they'll enjoy for what they hope will be several years. He's a skilled shooting guard who led Missouri State with 21 points in its season-opener last week at Butler.

Against Missouri Southern, White was more efficient, shooting 50% from the field and grabbing four boards.

Amid some of the Bears' first-half struggles, White kept them afloat. He had 14 at the break and did much of his damage attacking the rim when he's typically known for his outside shooting. He added two points in the second half, finishing with 16.

IUPUI transfer Vincent Brady II led the Bears with 21 points.

Former Central star Tyrique Brooks put on a show for Missouri Southern

Making his first collegiate start, former Central and Waynesville High star Tyrique Brooks proved to be one of the better players on the court on Monday night for the Lions.

The true freshman scored 21 points for the Lions on 9 of 16 shooting with three rebounds.

Brooks even threw down a pair of highlight dunks, including a one-handed putback slam, when the ultra-athletic guard was known to do that a time or two down the street at "The Pit." He was the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions slam dunk champion back in January, after all.

Missouri State basketball turnovers, free throws remain an issue

The Bears have struggled to shoot free throws in the early weeks and continue to turn the ball over in large spurts. They had five turnovers in less than three minutes to open the game but settled down, finishing with 13.

From the free throw line, they've struggled since their exhibition win over Southwest Baptist. In the three games, including the exhibition, the Bears have shot 22 for 58 from the line.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State basketball beats Missouri Southern in home opener