Missouri State nearly completed a stunning comeback Saturday, erasing a 13-point second-half deficit and forcing overtime against Southern Illinois. However, the Salukis prevailed down the stretch, pulling away for an 88-78 victory in Carbondale.
Jarrett Hensley led SIU (6-10, 1-5 MVC) with a game-high 30 points, while Drew Steffe chipped in 16. Missouri State (7-10, 0-6) was powered by Vincent Brady II’s 24 points and a career-high 23 from freshman Zaxton King, including 17 in the second half.
The Bears shot an impressive 60% in the second half, with King sparking a late 15-5 run. A clutch three-pointer by Chase Martin with 27 seconds left tied the game at 72-72, sending the contest to overtime. Missouri State’s defense held firm on SIU’s final possession, as Martin drew a charge in the closing seconds of regulation.
In overtime, the Bears briefly tied the game at 76-76 after a Brady three-pointer with 1:51 remaining. However, Southern Illinois responded with consecutive threes from Hensley and Steffe, sealing the win. The Bears struggled offensively in the extra period, hitting just 1-of-5 from the field.
Missouri State finished the game shooting 42.5% from the field, 37.9% from three, and 68% at the free-throw line, with 37 rebounds and 15 assists. Southern Illinois shot 47.7% overall and narrowly edged the Bears on the boards, 38-37.
The first half saw six lead changes before SIU used a 17-4 run to take control. Missouri State trimmed the deficit to two late in the half, but the Salukis surged ahead to lead 35-27 at the break.
The two teams will meet again Wednesday at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, with Missouri State looking to avenge this hard-fought loss.
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