Missouri State men hold off Evansville 55-51

Dequon Miller converted three of four free throws in the final nine seconds, helping Missouri State hold on to beat Evansville 55-51 Wednesday night.

Jaylon Brown’s layup with 11 seconds left got Evansville within one at 52-51. After a Missouri State timeout, Miller drew a foul from Evansville’s Dru Smith and converted both free throws with :09 left. Brown turned the ball over three seconds later and Miller again drew a foul from Smith, this time hitting the first of two from the line.

Jarrid Rhodes scored 14 points, and Miller added 13 for the Bears (12-6, 3-2 Missouri Valley).

Missouri State made just 19 of 57 shots (33.3 percent), including 8 of 23 from long range.

Brown and Ryan Taylor each scored 19 points for the Purple Aces (10-8, 1-4). Evansville shot 21 of 50 (42 percent) from the field.

This story was originally published January 11, 2017 at 10:03 PM with the headline "Missouri State men hold off Evansville 55-51."