The University of Illinois Springfield men's basketball emerged from its Senior Day with a victory over Rockhurst. The Prairie Stars edged the Hawks by a 66-63 score.
 
The two teams were tied 10 times in the game, including six times in the second half. A fast break dunk by Jack Weber knotted the teams at 60 with 1:43 remaining. UIS's defense forced a stop and then Jacob Hanna put the Prairie Stars ahead with 54 ticks left on the clock. Senior Chris Hamil then sealed the game by going four-for-four from the free-throw line in the final 14 seconds.
 
Hamil finished with a team-high 17 points, and he also led the squad with seven rebounds, three assists, and one block. The team's other senior, Jesus Castillo, played all but 17 seconds. He scored three points and was one of two starters with a positive +4 plus/minus.
 
UIS's bench came up big, outscoring Rockhurst by a 36-6 margin. Jordan Rice had 12 points and had a team-high three steals. Hanna was also in double-figures with 10 points. Jack Weber had eight points off the bench, and Isaiah Esker made a big impact with six points and five rebounds.
 
UIS improves to 11-15 overall and 6-12 in GLVC play. The Prairie Stars end their regular season next week at Missouri S&T and Drury.