Evansville beats Missouri State 56-54

Jan 14, 2015, 11:50 pm

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- D.J. Balentine sank a game-winning jumper in the final seconds as Evansville beat Missouri State 56-54 on Wednesday night.

Balentine's winning goal came with six seconds to go and the score tied 54-54. Then, Egidijus Mockevicius blocked a jumper by Missouri State's Dorrian Williams in the final seconds to preserve the lead for the win.

Mockevicius posted a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 12 rebounds to lead the Purple Aces (13-4, 3-2 Missouri Valley Conference). Mislav Brzoja added 18 points and five rebounds and Jaylon Brown had 10.

Evansville jumped to a 13-3 first-period advantage and led 31-25 at the break. Missouri State went 15-6 to start the second half to a 40-37 edge with 12:08 to play. The teams remained close and were tied 54-54 with six seconds to play.

Williams led the Bears (8-9, 2-3) with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists.