Southwest Missouri State found their offense in the second half and used it to score 45 points and rally to defeat Illinois State, 68-63, tonight at the Hammons Center in Springfield, Mo.
The Bears, 11-12, 6-5 MVC, shot 63 percent from the field in the second half compared to the 27 percent they shot in the first half. Senior Scott Brakebill led SMS in scoring with 20 points, while senior Mike Wallace just missed a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds. Junior Terrance McGee chipped in 16 points and six assists for the Bears.
Illinois State, 10-12, 6-5 MVC, was led in scoring and rebounding by Baboucarr Bojang with 13 points and nine boards respectively. Gregg Alexander and Shawn Jeppson each contributed 10 points.
The Birds had a 36-23 lead at halftime and shot 63 percent from beyond the arc in the first half, but managed only 36 percent from the field for the rest of the game.
Illinois State returns home to host MVC-rival Bradley at Redbird Arena on Tuesday, February 5, at 7:35 p.m.
