NORMAL — Illinois State rallied from a nine-point deficit in the final four minutes of regulation and Antonio Reeves scored seven of his 22 points in overtime as ISU edged Missouri State, 79-74, in the Missouri Valley Conference opener Wednesday at Redbird Arena.
Josiah Strong, who sank a 3-pointer with 38 seconds left to get ISU a 64-all tie in regulation, added 21 points for the Redbirds (4-4). Sy Chatman and Mark Freeman scored 10 points each.
Gaige Prim's 27 points and 12 rebounds paced Missouri State (4-3), while Isiaih Mosley chipped in 12.
The Bears seemed to be in control after Jaylyn Minnett sank a 3-pointer for a 62-53 lead with 4:13 left.