SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – Despite 29 points and 13 rebounds from Lucas Burton the Maryville men's basketball team lost an 84-80 battle at Illinois Springfield. His totals are the most this season by a Maryville player, as he converted 10-of-14 field goal attempts. Luke Williams contributed 17 points, while Francisco Espinosa tallied 10 points.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
UIS held a double-digit lead in the first half before the Saints put on a charge. A 14-2 run drew the Saints even at 36-36. Burton scored the first four points of the run, and Williams hit two free throws and a jumper. Burton scored inside before Davis Walker had a layup and Burton's jumper tied the score. The Prairie Stars scored the final five points of the half to earn a 41-36 lead at the break.
 
Down 45-38 early in the second half, Maryville embarked on an 11-0 run. Redd's drive started the run, and Burton sandwiched buckets around a Williams layup. Espinosa drained a 3-pointer for a 49-45 advantage. Maryville stayed in front and a Burton bucket and two at the line by Espinosa pushed the lead up to 65-58. Anthony Holden's 3-pointer was good for a 70-66 advantage, and Maryville was still ahead 73-70 on an Espinosa trey with six minutes to play. UIS went back on top, and a Williams jumper cut the gap down to 79-78. The teams traded scores and Burton pulled the Saints to within 81-80 with 1:18 remaining. However, UIS scored in the lane with 16 seconds to play for a three-point lead. Maryville had a corner three to force overtime but the attempt misfired, and UIS sank one free throw with 3.4 seconds left to seal the win.
 
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points: Lucas Burton - 29
Rebounds: Lucas Burton - 13
Assists: Trey Redd - 4
3-Pointers: Francisco Espinosa and Davis Walker - 2
Steals: Lucas Burton - 2
Blocked Shots: Lucas Burton and Davis Walker - 1
 
RECORDS:
Maryville: 7-15, 3-11 GLVC
Illinois Springfield: 11-12, 6-9 GLVC
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Saints are back home in Moloney Arena Thursday, Feb. 13, as they welcome Upper Iowa in for a 7:30 p.m. tilt. Read Full Article