Illinois State edges Creighton 67-63
OMAHA, Neb. -- Illinois State used a six-point surge to gain from separation from Creighton Saturday, then got a key turnover in the closing seconds to pick up a big Missouri Valley Conference win.
The Redbirds (18-8, 9-6) claimed sole possession of third place in the MVC with a 67-63 road victory over the Bluejays (13-13, 8-7), who lost at home for the second time this season.
Illinois State shot 64 percent (14-for-22) from the floor in the second half and put five players in double figures. But it was the Redbirds' defense, which held Creighton to 37 percent shooting, that caught ISU coach Tim Jankovich's eye.
"Anytime you can go on the road and get field-percentage defense in the 30s, you've got to feel great about that," Jankovich said. "I also feel terrific because in the last two games on the road, both against good teams, game point has come with us on defense. And we've had to get stops in both games to win the road game."
There were 11 lead changes during an 11-minute stretch in the second half in which neither team led by more than three Saturday. Illinois State finally pulled in front by scoring six straight points during a 12-2 run, capped by a steal and layup by Lloyd Phillips with 3:47 to play that gave the Redbirds their largest lead at 62-55.
That was the final basket of the game by either team. The final 13 points were scored from the foul line.
The Jays closed to within 64-63 on a free throw by Justin Carter with 24.5 seconds left. After Osiris Eldridge made one of two foul shots at the other end, Creighton had a chance to tie or take the lead in the closing seconds.
But Kenny Lawson couldn't handle Kaleb Korver's pass into the post with time winding down. The ball bounced off of Lawson and out of bounds with 2.1 seconds left without the Jays getting off a shot.
"I just rushed it and tried to make a move before I caught the ball," said Lawson, who finished with a game-high 20 points.
Phillips sealed the game with a pair of free throws. He was one of the five Redbirds in double figures, finishing with 11 points. Eldridge -- who canned a contested 30-foot buzzer-beater to give Illinois State a 31-30 halftime advantage -- and Dinma Odiakosa led the Redbirds with 12 each.
Kellen Thornton and Austin Hill each scored 10 for Illinois State. Carter had 14 points for Creighton.