Loyola of Chicago beats Missouri State, 53-50

Updated: Feb 4, 2015, 11:42 pm

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Earl Peterson and Ben Richardson scored 12 points apiece as Loyola of Chicago held on in the face of a second-half rally to beat Missouri State 53-50 on Wednesday night, snapping a five-game slide.

Montel James added 10 points and led with six rebounds for the Ramblers (14-9, 4-7 Missouri Valley Conference) who hit 20 of 50 (40 percent) from the field overall and 7 of 7 from the free-throw line.

Loyola of Chicago dominated the first period and led 31-19 at the break. But Missouri State rallied in the second half, outscoring the Ramblers 31-22 in the period before ultimately falling short. The Bears (9-14, 3-8) finished 22 of 51 from the field overall including just 2 of 14 from beyond the arc.

Gavin Thurman led Missouri State with 15 points. Camyn Boone added 13 points and seven rebounds.