SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A 19-point halftime deficit didn't close the book on the Griffon Men's Basketball team, but it proved a mountain too high to climb for the team Wednesday night at Illinois Springfield. Missouri Western (4-7) cut a 21-point UIS (7-2) lead to six in the second half, before falling 90-76.
 
The Prairie Stars built their largest lead of the game with 19 minutes remaining. About nine minutes later the lead was just six, but UIS outscored the Griffs 26-18 over the final nine minutes of the game. Down the stretch, UIS was 5 of 9 from the field and 15 of 22 at the free throw line.
 
NOTABLES

• After shooting 32% in the first half and allowing UIS to shoot 53%, the Griffons shot 45% in the second and held UIS to 39%.
• The Griffons pulled down a season-high 48 rebounds to just 31 for the Prairie Stars.
• UIS shot 50% from 3-point range, making 12 of 24 attempts while the Griffons were 11 of 35 for 31%.
• MWSU shot 13 free throws in the game, making seven of them. UIS shot 37 free throws, making 26.
• Tyus Millhollin led the Griffons, scoring 28 points on 50% shooting, going 6 for 13 from 3-point range.
• Tyrell Carroll returned to the floor for the first time since Nov. 30, but fouled out on an offensive foul with 3:45 to go and the Griffs trailing by nine.
• Will Eames led the Griffs on the glass with a career-high 13 rebounds.
• Tyree Martin matched a career-high with 11 rebounds.

 
UP NEXT
Missouri Western plays another GLVC opponent on the road when the Griffs travel to Rockhurst (4-4), Saturday.