Illinois Springfield Recap
The Maryville men's basketball team was looking to sweep the season series against Illinois Springfield but had a rally fall short. UIS edged the Saints 86-79 Saturday afternoon in Moloney Arena. Owen Long hit 11-of-12 free throws en route to 27 points. Daniel Farris had 17 points, while Ari Jackson chipped in 15 points.
 
What Happened
The Saints scored the first five points of the game as Kamto Eze hit a short jumper and Jackson nailed a 3-pointer. UIS answered with eight straight to take the lead. Maryville came back with five straight on two Long free throws and a three-point play by Jackson. The Saint took their final lead at 14-13 on a Farris bucket. The Prairie Stars used a 14-0 run to sprint ahead and eventually went into halftime up 39-27.
 
UIS still was up by 16 before the Saints charged back. Long sank a triple and a jumper to pull Maryville to within 55-44 with 13 minutes left. Jackson recorded a three-point play, Long sank a jumper and a left-wing triple by Jackson brought the Saints to 75-68 with 2:06 to play. In the waning minutes, Maryville was unable to make the game a two-possession contest as Prairie Stars held on for the win.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Owen Long - 27
Rebounds: Kamto Eze - 5
3-Point Field Goals: Ari Jackson - 3
Assists: Owen Long - 4
Steals: Ari Jackson and Owen Long - 2
Blocked Shots: Donovan Parker - 2
 
Records
Maryville: 3-5, 3-5 GLVC
Illinois Springfield: 3-3, 3-3 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints take to the road as they play at Quincy Thursday, Jan. 14, in a 7:30 p.m. start in Pepsi Arena.