Illinois Springfield men’s basketball (10-5, 6-1 GLVC) suffered its first conference loss of the season in a 66-65 setback to Truman State (6-9, 3-4 GLVC) on Saturday at Pershing Arena, as the Bulldogs scored the game-winning basket with 2:16 remaining. Despite scoring 40 points off the bench and holding a late second-half lead, UIS was unable to convert in the closing minutes.
UIS struggled to find an offensive rhythm early, missing its first several field-goal attempts, but responded with a return run midway through the first half. Britton Dutton knocked down a three-pointer at the 10:52 mark to give UIS its first lead, and the Stars continued to apply defensive pressure. Colin Schuler and Donaven Younger helped create possessions with defensive rebounds. Dutton later assisted Younger on a layup that tied the game at 15 with 7:24 remaining in the first half.
UIS led three times in the opening period before Truman State regained control late in the half. Rice connected on a three-pointer to trim the deficit to 29-25 at the break. UIS scored 17 of its 25 first-half points off the bench, as starters Adidas Davis, Isaiah Davis and Tye Banks were held scoreless in the opening period.
Truman State opened the second half with a string of three-pointers to build a nine-point lead, but UIS responded. Dutton scored the Stars’ first field goal of the half, a jumper at 17:34, followed by a three-pointer from Jorden Williams. Consecutive baskets from Younger and Williams trimmed the deficit, and Alex Stell’s dunk off an assist from Banks at 7:59 pulled UIS within five as momentum shifted.
Rice connected from beyond the arc at the 6:45 mark to bring UIS within one, and Adidas Davisdrilled a three-pointer at 3:57 to give the Stars a one-point lead. After Truman State answered, Rice finished a layup at 3:19 to put UIS back in front, 65-64.
With time remaining, Truman State regained the lead on the decisive basket with 2:16 to play, and neither team converted on its remaining possessions. UIS was held to six made threes in the contest.
Dutton led UIS with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including two three-pointers. Younger added 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting, while Rice finished with 11 points and three steals. Williams contributed eight points, five assists and two steals.
UIS is 10-5 overall and 6-1 in GLVC play, while Truman State improved to 6-9 overall and 3-4 in conference action.
Up Next
Illinois Springfield returns home next week, hosting Rockhurst on Thursday for Teacher Appreciation Night at TRAC. On Saturday, UIS plays Southwest Baptist on Faith and Family Day.
