Late free throws push Missouri St. past SIU

Posted January 23, 2008 10:00 pm

Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Dale Lamberth hit two free throws with 1.7 seconds left to lead Missouri State to a 63-62 win over Southern Illinois on Wednesday night.

Lamberth finished with 24 points to lead Missouri State (11-9, 4-4 Missouri Valley) in a game in which neither team led by more than three points in the second half.

The Salukis led 30-29 at halftime. There were 10 ties and 23 lead changes.

Lamberth scored 16 of his points in the second half for the Salukis, who trailed by as many as 11 in the first half.

Bryan Mullins gave Southern Illinois (9-10, 4-4) its final lead on basket with 27.1 seconds left to make it 62-61.

Missouri State called a timeout with 10.8 seconds left. After Justin Fuehrmeyer missed a 3-point attempt, Lamberth grabbed the offensive rebound and was fouled by Tyrone Green to set up the game-winning free throws.

Chris Cooks scored 12 for Missouri State and Spencer Laurie added 11.

Matt Shaw led Southern Illinois with 18 points, Mullins scored 12 and Randal Falker added 10.