ROLLA, MO --- The Prairie Stars (6-2, 1-0) won their sixth consecutive game, beating Missouri S&T (1-5, 0-1) in the first Great Lakes Valley Conference game of the season. The Prairie Stars picked up an 82-78 victory, losing the lead in the last minute, but scored seven of the final nine points to secure the victory.

Vince Walker led the Prairie Stars with 20 points, his highest point total of the season. Walker made 6-of-15 from deep and sunk two free throws, which accounted for his 20 points. Eddie Longmeyer and Lijah Donnelly each cracked double-figures, with Longmeyer totaling 15 points and Donnelly 14.

UIS opened up a quick six-point lead as Brandon Van Sant closed a five-point run with a layup at the 15:50 mark. UIS held the lead all the way until the 8:37 mark when Missouri S&T took the lead back.

The Prairie Stars opened up their biggest lead of the game, taking a nine-point advantage into the half.

The lead stayed at nine for the first few minutes of the second half but Missouri S&T cut the deficit to just one at the 8:46 mark. UIS held onto the lead though and pushed the lead back to six on a three from Walker and then got the lead up to nine on a jumper from Donnelly at the 4:19 mark.

The Miners would not go away though and were about to take their first lead of the second half with 53 seconds remaining. UIS responded though on a three from Walker to take a 78-76 lead, one they would not relinquish. UIS made their final four free throws of the game to close out the victory.

Logan Gonce dished out a season-high seven assists to go along with six points, while both Longmeyer and Donnelly grabbed a team-high six rebounds.

UIS will return home next Thursday to continue GLVC play when they host Rockhurst University at 7:30 PM.