Creighton guard Johnny Mathies sank one of two free throws with 1.4 seconds left to lead the 23rd ranked Bluejays to a 56-55 win over Illinois State Wednesday night in Redbird Arena.
Creighton stays undefeated, moving to 11-0, 3-0 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while the Redbirds dropped to 4-7, 0-3 in the Valley.
Illinois State held a 16-10 advantage midway through the first half after a jumper by Neil Plank. Mike Grimes cut into the Redbird lead with a three-pointer, then, a pair of free throws by Kellen Miliner trimmed the lead to 16-15.
Gregg Alexanders three-pointer extended the Redbird lead to 19-15. The three also extended the teams streak to 124 straight games with a made three-pointer.
The Redbirds held the Creighton offense in check during the first half, limiting them to 30 percent shooting from the field, and 25 percent from beyond the arc. Illinois State held a 20-19 advantage at halftime.
Both teams picked up the tempo in the second half as Creighton and Illinois State traded baskets each time down the court. A reverse by Marcus Arnold gave the Redbirds their biggest lead at 34-27, but it was short lived, as Joe Dabbert answered with a dunk.
A Michael Lindeman three-pointer came in between two Arnold layups, and a pair of Brody Deren free throws cut the Redbird lead to 38-34. Illinois State increased its lead to 10 at 46-36 after Najeeb Echols muscled in a layup over Deren and sank the ensuing free throw.
Echols basket with seven minutes left gave the Redbirds a 12-point lead at 50-38, but Creighton answered with a 12-0 run on the strength of three-pointers by Lindeman and Miliner and layups by Deren and Mathies. A pair of Dabbert free throws tied the score at 50.
Lindeman and Trey Guidry traded three-point baskets, tying the game at 55 when Vince Greene fouled Mathies, setting up the game-winning free throw.
Echols equaled his career high in points with 13, while Marcus Arnold chipped in 12. Deren was the only Bluejay in double figures with 12 points.
The Redbirds next opponent is Indiana State on the road Saturday, Jan. 10 in Terre Haute, Ind.
Game Notes
Illinois State extended its streak of having a made three-pointer to 124 straight games after Gregg Alexander knocked down a trey late in the first half.
Illinois State held Creighton to 30 percent shooting in the first half, 25 percent from the three-point line.
Marcus Arnold recorded his first career double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Najeeb Echols equaled his career high in points with 13.
