Springfield, Ill. – Ari Jackson scored a career-high 26 points but the Maryville men's basketball team was edged by Illinois Springfield 79-71 in overtime. Jackson sank 11-of-19 shots, including four 3-pointers, and his total is the most scored by a Saint this season. JT Morgan posted a double-double with 10 points, and 11 rebounds, while Kelvin Swims finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
 
What Happened:
Down seven at halftime, the Saints stormed to the second half lead with eight straight points by Jackson. He scored on a layup then splashed in consecutive 3-pointers for a 31-30 advantage. The teams traded the lead four times before UIS took a 45-38 lead with 13 minutes to play. The Saints used an 8-2 run to trim the gap to 47-46.
 
The Prairie Stars rebuilt a 60-53 cushion but Maryville answered with an 11-0 burst. Jackson sank back-to-back jumpers, and Swims threw down a dunk. Later, Swims converted two free throws with 2:41 remaining to boost the Saints to a 61-60 edge. Yet another Jackson triple gave Maryville a 64-60 lead with 2:04 to play. Swims scored for a 66-63 margin but UIS hit a 3-pointer with 14 seconds left to force overtime.
 
In the extra session, the Saints took the lead on a Morgan free throw and a bucket by Jackson. Morgan scored with 2:50 remaining for a 71-69 advantage. UIS grabbed a 72-71 lead with 1:18 to play. However, the Saints were called for a critical offensive foul, and UIS scored on its next two possessions as the Prairie Stars won their seventh straight game.
 
Statistical Leaders:
Points: Ari Jackson - 26
Rebounds: JT Morgan - 11
Assists: Kelvin Swims - 6
3-Pointers: Ari Jackson - 4
Steals: JT Morgan - 4
Blocked Shots: Kelvin Swims - 2
 
Records:
Maryville: 9-6, 3-4 GLVC
Illinois Springfield: 9-6, 7-2 GLVC
 
What's Next?
Maryville is back home at Moloney Arena as Rockhurst visits Thursday, Jan. 20, in a 7:30 p.m. start.