Sophomore Gregg Alexander poured in a game-high 17 points to lead Illinois State, but it was a last-second defensive stand that sealed the Redbirds 63-62 victory over Drake in the first round of the 2003 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at the Savvis Center.
With the victory, Illinois State improved to 8-20 on the season and will face No. 1 seed Southern Illinois on Saturday at 12:05 p.m. Drake fell to 10-20.
In the waning seconds, Drakes Greg Danielson attempted a hook shot in the lane that bounced off the rim. Illinois States Baboucarr Bojang tipped the rebound out, trying to run out the clock, but the ball fell in the hands of the BulldogsLuke McDonald. McDonald fired a 25-footer with three tenths left on the clock that hit the front of the rim and bounced out.
The 'Birds led 62-59 after Chris Burras made the second of two free throws. Drake's David Newman put the Bulldogs within one point on a three-pointer with 40 seconds left.
Freshman Marcus Arnold added 15 points as the only other Redbird in double figures. Chris Burras came off the bench to contribute eight points and lead the team with five rebounds.
