SIUE Loses Narrow Lead Against Morehead State Late

❮ ❯

EDWARDSVILLE — Morehead State rallied with an 18-3 run late to overcome Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 73-72 on Saturday.

Morehead State held a seven-point lead early before SIUE responded with a 7-0 run to take a 23-19 advantage. Jack Campion’s three-pointer at the halftime buzzer put the Cougars ahead 35-33.

The second half featured several lead changes, with SIUE appearing to gain control on a 10-2 run that gave them a 54-48 lead with 11:24 remaining. Darrion Baker, making his first career start in place of Malith, capped an 11-0 SIUE run with two free throws at 5:47 left, extending the lead to 67-52.

Morehead State then mounted a comeback, taking a 73-71 lead on a three-pointer by Chase Dawson with 15 seconds remaining.

7 Day Free Trial

Shop Local

Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu

Get This Deal →

After Campion was fouled and had to leave the game, Darius Robinson made one of two free throws with eight seconds left. SIUE forced a turnover on the next possession, but C.J. Hall’s layup attempt was blocked in the final second, sealing the win for Morehead State.

"The atmosphere is amazing here, and the support we have here is awesome. We didn't give the crowd what they wanted, we gave up a 15-point lead with 5 minutes left, and we didn't finish. These guys are playing their tail off and fighting. SIUE boys basketball coach Brian Barone said

Baker led SIUE with a career-high 15 points, Arnas Sakenis contributed a career-best 13 points, while Hall and Harrison Alexander each scored 10.

The Cougars, playing without leading scorer Ring Malith, fell to 2-2 in conference play and 9-6 overall. Morehead State improved to 3-1 in the league and 7-8 overall.

Morehead State’s Carroll and Chase Dawson each scored 17 points.

SIUE will return to First Community Arena on Tuesday to host Lindenwood with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.