Illinois Springfield men's basketball (17-11, 13-7 GLVC) fell to Rockhurst (23-5, 17-3 GLVC), 84-75, on Saturday after holding a one-point lead at halftime. Rockhurst capitalized at the free-throw line in the second half, knocking down 21 to help secure the win. The Hawks had already clinched the GLVC regular-season title Thursday night.

Illinois Springfield men's basketball had to battle from behind Saturday, as Rockhurst opened the game with a flurry of made three-pointers to seize early momentum. The Prairie Stars turned to their second unit for a spark, and Lyncoln Koester and Marlon Williams helped steady the group as UIS chipped away at the deficit.

Williams, Adidas Davis, and Koester connected from beyond the arc during a key stretch, swinging the energy and trimming the margin. The Prairie Stars' rally culminated in the closing seconds of the half when Colin Schuler knocked down a jumper to complete the comeback and send UIS into the break with a 34-33 lead.

Rockhurst answered out of halftime and gradually reclaimed control in the second half. While UIS found success attacking inside — finishing with 24 points in the paint — the Hawks countered with efficient offense and consistent trips to the free-throw line to rebuild separation. Jordan Rice kept the Prairie Stars within striking distance with a steal and four made free throws, and Britton Dutton added a timely three-pointer and late layup, but Rockhurst capitalized at the stripe and pulled away for an 84-75 victory.

"It's hard to overcome an early deficit like that, especially on the road against a great team." said head coach Matt Brock. "Credit to our second unit for coming in and playing a terrific first half. We didn't defend as well in the second half and we will have to be better in the end next week."

Dutton led the Prairie Stars with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including two three-pointers. Rice added 12 points, while Stell recorded 10 points, a team-high 10 rebounds, and three blocks. Koester provided a spark off the bench with 10 points on 3-of-4 shooting, and Jorden Williams dished out five assists.

UIS closes the regular season at 17-11 overall and 13-7 in GLVC play and has already clinched a GLVC Tournament berth, with seeding to be announced later this evening. Rockhurst improves to 23-5 overall and 17-3 in conference play.